The Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has praised Premium Trust Bank for its sustained investment in Nigerian sports, describing the financial institution as a major contributor to grassroots development and the transformation of young talents.
Olopade said sports remained a powerful tool for economic empowerment and social change, particularly for disadvantaged children seeking opportunities to improve their lives through their God-given abilities.
He spoke on Wednesday night at a reception organised by Premium Trust Bank at its headquarters in Wuse 2, Abuja, in honour of Nigeria’s victorious U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, following their historic FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup triumph in Morocco.
The Flamingos defeated Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final to become the first African nation to win the tournament.
Commending the bank for its contributions to Nigerian sports over the past three years, Olopade said its commitment reflected the Federal Government’s vision of using sports to create opportunities and put money in the pockets of talented but underprivileged young Nigerians.
“The true essence of supporting sports can be found in what Premium Trust Bank has been doing for this country in the last three years, and they deserve a serious round of applause,” he said.
The NSC chief, who expressed delight at celebrating the young champions, said the achievements of athletes such as Flamingos stars and Praise Ugoh, who recently won gold in the women’s 400m at the Youth Olympic Games, demonstrated the impact of sustained investment in grassroots sports.
He described such occasions as emotional and significant because of the life-changing opportunities sports continued to provide for talented Nigerians.
Olopade also disclosed that the NSC had approved ₦250 million to support Nigeria’s amputee football team ahead of their World Cup participation, describing the intervention as one of the most fulfilling financial commitments made by the Commission.
He revealed that he was particularly moved after meeting 14 amputee footballers, nine of whom had lost their limbs in accidents, while four were former professional footballers whose careers were cut short by injuries that resulted in amputation.
According to him, the determination of the players to continue pursuing their football dreams despite their physical challenges reinforced the importance of sports as a platform for inclusion, hope and personal transformation.
“That was the sweetest money that we have released since we took over because it showed how much sport means to people who are talented, who are indigent and who are determined to succeed using these tools,” Olopade said.
He added that the rewards and recognition recently announced for the Flamingos by President Bola Tinubu and other government officials, alongside Premium Trust Bank’s continued support, would further encourage young athletes to pursue excellence.
Earlier, Flamingos head coach Hakeem Busari expressed gratitude to the NSC leadership, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the team’s technical crew and the players for their contributions to the historic achievement.
Busari also appreciated Premium Trust Bank for hosting the team, noting that the reception provided an opportunity for the players and officials to relax after the demanding campaign in Morocco.
He particularly acknowledged NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko, Olopade and Acting NFF Secretary-General Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme for their support throughout the team’s journey.
The reception formed part of activities celebrating the Flamingos’ historic triumph, which has further strengthened Nigeria’s reputation in women’s youth football.