Abuja: The Federal Character Commission (FCC) announced its partnership with the FCT Football Association (FCT FA) to advance youth development, social inclusion, and talent discovery through sports. This collaboration was revealed by the Executive Chairman of FCC, Mrs. Hulayat Omidiran, during a meeting with the FCT FA board, led by its Chairman, Alhaji Abba Mohammed.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Omidiran emphasized the partnership’s goal to bolster grassroots sports development and create opportunities for young individuals to uncover and nurture their talents. She expressed the commission’s commitment to supporting initiatives that increase youth engagement and participation in sports nationwide.
Omidiran urged FCT authorities to prioritize the development and maintenance of sports facilities, providing young athletes with suitable environments for training and competition. She also called for sustainable programs to strengthen grassroots sports and foster active participation among young athlete
s.
Highlighting the potential of the Federal Capital Territory as a hub for talent discovery and development, Omidiran stressed the importance of broadening talent identification beyond football, recognizing the diverse abilities of young Nigerians across multiple sporting disciplines.
She underlined the necessity for coordinated efforts in sports development, noting the sector’s potential to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth. Omidiran advocated for viewing sports not only as recreational activities but also as an industry capable of generating employment, empowering youth, and creating wealth.
Expressing concern over Nigeria’s declining performance in women’s football, Omidiran called for renewed investment and strategic planning to restore Nigeria’s prominence in international women’s football. She emphasized the need for collective commitment to achieve the desired transformation.
Omidiran shared her personal passion for football, which began in her youth, and her aim to use sports
as a tool for improving young people’s lives. She expressed satisfaction with the positive impact football has had on many girls’ lives.
Alhaji Abba Mohammed praised Omidiran’s leadership and contribution to sports development, expressing gratitude for her partnership in promoting youth development and talent discovery across the FCT’s six area councils.
The Acting Director of Sports, Mr. Iyiola Ogundele, highlighted the partnership’s potential to expand talent discovery beyond football, providing structured opportunities for young people in various sporting disciplines across the FCT. Ogundele emphasized the importance of coordinated talent identification programs to equip young athletes with the training and support needed to thrive in national and international competitions.