Omidiran: 'Sports can drive over 50% Nigeria's GDP'
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Hon. Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has said Nigeria's sports sector has the potential to contribute more than 50 per cent to the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) if properly developed, reaffirming the Federal Government's commitment to repositioning sports as a key driver of economic growth and national development.
Omidiran made the remarks on Tuesday while receiving the National Executive Committee of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), led by its President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, during a courtesy visit to the Commission's headquarters in Abuja.
She described sports as a powerful tool for promoting national unity, youth development and economic prosperity, noting that its value extends far beyond recreation and competition.
"Sports is more than entertainment; it keeps communities together, strengthens families and, if properly harnessed, can contribute more than 50 per cent of a nation's GDP. Nigeria is not there yet, but this administration is genuinely committed to unlocking the immense benefits of a vibrant sporting ecosystem," Omidiran said.
The visit also featured the formal acceptance by the FCC Chairman of her nomination as the first National Matron of SWAN. Expressing appreciation for the recognition, she pledged to play an active role in supporting the Association and its programmes.
"I accepted immediately because it is a great honour. I will not be a silent matron. When I am with you, you will know I am with you. The Federal Character Commission will stand with SWAN, and I will support your programmes in every way possible," she assured.
Earlier, SWAN National President Isaiah Benjamin congratulated Omidiran on what he described as her impactful leadership of the Federal Character Commission, commending her efforts to reposition the agency through institutional reforms, transparency, stakeholder engagement and a renewed commitment to equity and fairness.
Benjamin also praised Omidiran's contributions to sports administration, particularly her role in promoting women's sports and mentoring future leaders in the sector.
"Since assuming office, Nigerians have witnessed your unwavering commitment to repositioning the Commission through institutional reforms and enhanced transparency. Your leadership has inspired confidence that the FCC is becoming more responsive, innovative and nationally relevant," Benjamin said.
He added that Omidiran has consistently demonstrated that sports is a powerful platform for leadership, youth empowerment, social inclusion and national development.
According to him, SWAN's decision to appoint her as its first National Matron was in recognition of her distinguished contributions to sports development, public service and national integration.
"We are confident your acceptance of this honour will further strengthen collaboration between SWAN and the FCC while advancing our shared vision of a united, inclusive and equitable Nigeria through the transformative power of sports," Benjamin stated.
Omidiran is expected to be formally decorated as SWAN's National Matron during the Association's National Triennial Congress in August 2026. The event will bring together sports journalists from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to elect new national officers and deliberate on the future of sports journalism in Nigeria.
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