The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Chief Bukola Olopade, has remarked that a collaboration with Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, a distinguished philanthropist, investor, and advocate of both professional and grassroots sports in Nigeria, will significantly enhance the nation’s Paralympics teams. In an effort to reestablish sports as a fundamental element of Nigeria’s economy […]
The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Chief Bukola Olopade, has remarked that a collaboration with Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, a distinguished philanthropist, investor, and advocate of both professional and grassroots sports in Nigeria, will significantly enhance the nation’s Paralympics teams.
In an effort to reestablish sports as a fundamental element of Nigeria’s economy and culture, Olopade initiated a vigorous campaign to promote sports as a national treasure, gaining the endorsement of Victor Ochei.
Ochei, a former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and prior gubernatorial candidate under the APC, serves as the chairman of Davnotch Nigeria Limited.
His contributions to the nation’s sports sector in recent years include sponsoring the Victor Ochei International Wheelchair Basketball Championship, which drew numerous Nigerian athletes from both local and international backgrounds. For over seven years, the championship has cultivated many stars for the nation, while Ochei has also funded Nigerian Wheelchair Basketball teams in various international events, such as the Rio 2016 Olympic Games qualifiers held in Algeria, where both male and female teams represented the country.
With Olopade at the helm of the NSC, Victor Ochei is committed to advancing Nigeria’s sports development as outlined in President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope initiative.
In an interview with The Guardian, Olopade expressed that Rt. Hon. Ochei not only accepted an invitation to serve as patron of the Paralympics Committee of Nigeria (PCN), but has also committed to increase his investments in Nigeria’s sports sector.
Commenting on the importance of Olopade’s appointment as NSC DG, Ochei stated; “President Tinubu’s choice to hand over Sports administration to seasoned experts led by my brother and friend, Bukola Olopade, marks the dawn of a transformative era, and I appreciate Mr. President for seeking out highly qualified professionals to tackle our nation’s developmental challenges and bridge existing gaps.”
“I view your appointment as a renewed chance for sports enthusiasts and corporations to collaborate in fostering a prosperous economy through sports, particularly by championing initiatives that encourage grassroots competition in track events, gymnastics, ball sports, and aquatic activities.”
During their discussion, Rt. Hon. Ochei committed to expanding his investment interests, especially in underfunded sports such as tennis, cricket, and Paralympics. He stressed that with the confidence placed in Olopade’s capable leadership, Nigerian sports development is set for global competitiveness, with the potential for swift economic transformation.
