In a bid to get the private sector to key into the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE) program and actualize the sports economy mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, National Sports Commission Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko held a strategic meeting with members of the Executive Committee and Management of MTN Nigeria in Lagos on Monday.
The meeting held at the MTN Nigeria Corporate Headquarters in Lagos, is in furtherance to one of the core objectives of the National Sports Commission and indeed the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, to attract, facilitate and provide the enablers to ensure appropriate private sector participation, investment, support and sponsorships in the sports ecosystem to compliment government’s efforts.
During the fruitful engagements, MTN made a detailed presentation on their ongoing projects in Nigerian Sports headlined by the sponsorship of the national football teams, the Super Eagles and Super Falcons. While making projections for the future, they highlighted the opportunities and mitigating challenges.
Speaking at the meeting Mallam Dikko thanked MTN for their immense contributions to sports in the country. He updated the MTN Executive Committee members on the ongoing reforms in Nigerian Sports, the RHINSE program, the objectives and anticipated outcomes as well as the opportunities and incentives for private sector participation.
His words, “We cannot do this sports reforms aimed at harnessing the potentials of sports economy without the private sector. This is why we have been holding various strategic engagements with the private sector to come on board this RHINSE boat. It is the boat conveying Nigerian sports to that desired destination where sports would be one of the key drivers of Nigeria’s economy making huge contribution to the nation’s GDP. We want to harness the various opportunities inherent in Nigerian sports and MTN are worthy partners in this process.”
Ultimately, a firm understanding and a roadmap was agreed towards the resolution of all challenges identified and providing the framework for enhanced and continuous MTN collaboration and participation in Nigeria sports ecosystem and NSC programs/projects. Further engagements will continue through a joint strategic interface between the parties to activate and implement this understanding and ensure a win-win collaboration between MTN, the NSC and the sports structures in Nigeria.
Among MTN’s delegation at the meeting were Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, Tobechukwu Okigbo; Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka; GM Brand and Communication Mamoke Ogoro, and Senior Manager, Sponsorship and Promotions, Osaze Ebueku.
