Jackson, Mustapha Take Over as NSC Inaugurates Four Federation Boards

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has inaugurated the boards of four national sports federations, with Engr. Samuel Olatunji Jackson and Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha emerging as presidents of the Nigeria Arm Wrestling Federation and Nigeria Basketball Federation, respectively.

The inauguration ceremony took place in Abuja on Thursday, with the newly appointed board members charged with strengthening federation administration, promoting accountability and advancing athlete development across their respective sports.

NSC Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, described the appointments as a call to service, urging the board members to demonstrate diligence, teamwork and a commitment to the growth of Nigerian sports.

“These appointments come with a responsibility to serve diligently, uphold the highest standards of accountability and put the interests of our athletes and Nigerian sports first,” Olopade said.

He stressed the need for the new boards to establish clear priorities and deliver measurable progress, noting that effective sports administration remains crucial to identifying talent, nurturing athletes and improving Nigeria’s competitiveness at international competitions.

The four federations whose boards were inaugurated are the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Nigeria Arm Wrestling Federation, Nigeria Padel Federation and Nigeria Fencing Federation.

At the NBBF, Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha was inaugurated as president, with Rita Mosindi appointed Secretary-General.

Engr. Samuel Olatunji Jackson will lead the Nigeria Arm Wrestling Federation as president, alongside Ms. Dorathy Okpo Benard, who was inaugurated as Secretary-General.

At the Nigeria Padel Federation, Rt. Hon. Jimi Benson assumed the presidency, while Israel Inwang was inaugurated as Secretary-General.

Meanwhile, Mr. Adeyinka Samuel was inaugurated as president of the Nigeria Fencing Federation, with Javan Bernard appointed Secretary-General.

The NSC urged the newly inaugurated boards to build on the existing foundations of their respective federations by expanding grassroots participation, improving athlete development structures and creating more opportunities for Nigerian athletes to compete successfully at regional, continental and global levels.

The Commission also emphasised the importance of effective leadership and accountable administration in positioning the federations for sustainable growth and stronger international representation.