NSF hails Olopade as ‘double honours’ man after Sports Administrator of the Year Award

By Mishael Emmanuel and Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye

The Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF) has showered glowing praise on the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Bukola Olopade, describing him as a sports administrator who deserves “double honours” for his transformative leadership.

The commendation came on the heels of Olopade’s latest recognition as Sports Administrator of the Year, conferred by The Nigeria Telegraph Newspapers in Lagos, an award that further cements his growing reputation as one of the driving forces behind Nigeria’s sporting resurgence.

President of the NSF, Engineer Bright Idahosa, did not mince words in his admiration for the NSC boss, stating that Olopade’s impact has been both visible and deeply felt across the sporting ecosystem.

According to Idahosa, the appointment of Olopade alongside Mallam Shehu Dikko marked a turning point for Nigerian sports.

“Since Honourable Bukola Olopade and Mallam Shehu Dikko took over the leadership of sports in Nigeria, it has been an upward swing for sports,” Idahosa declared confidently.

For the Scrabble Federation boss, the accolades are not just ceremonial, they are well earned.

“Working with him at close range reveals a man who is very passionate about the welfare of athletes, coaches and technical support teams of all the sports federations in the country,” he added.

That passion, stakeholders say, has translated into renewed confidence within federations, improved administrative coordination, and a leadership style that prioritizes athlete-centered policies.

From strategic engagement with federations to ensuring that technical crews and support teams are not left behind, Olopade’s approach has resonated strongly within the sports community.

The NSF, one of the country’s consistently high-performing federations on the continental and global stage, expressed delight that the hard work being put in by Olopade and the NSC is now receiving national recognition.

“As a Federation, we are delighted that the hard work Honourable Bukola Olopade and the NSC are putting in are noticeable and recognized,” Idahosa emphasized.

Many observers and sports Stakeholders, believe the award by The Nigeria Telegraph Newspapers is more than just a plaque, it symbolizes a broader acknowledgment that Nigerian sports administration is regaining structure, direction, and credibility.

And if the Nigeria Scrabble Federation’s verdict is anything to go by, Honourable Bukola Olopade’s tenure at the National Sports Commission may well be remembered as a defining chapter in the steady rise of Nigerian sports.

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