Sports can contribute over 50% of Nigeria’s GDP if properly harnessed – Hon Omidiran

Sports can contribute over 50% of Nigeria’s GDP if properly harnessed – Hon Omidiran

…….FCC chair accepts historic SWAN National Matron nomination

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has revealed that sports possess enormous economic and social potential capable of contributing more than 50 per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) if strategically developed, while reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to repositioning the sector as a catalyst for national development.

Hon. Omidiran made the remarks on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the National Executive Committee of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), led by its President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Describing sports as one of Nigeria’s greatest instruments for national unity and economic growth, the former Executive Board Member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and former Member of FIFA Women’s Football Committee, where she served for six years, stressed that its impact extends far beyond 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.

A major highlight of the visit was the formal acceptance by the FCC Chairman of her nomination as the first National Matron of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN). Describing the honour as a privilege, she pledged her unwavering support for the Association.

“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,” the FCC boss assured.

Earlier, SWAN National President Isaiah Benjamin congratulated Omidiran on what he described as her transformative leadership of the Federal Character Commission, saying her tenure has been marked by institutional reforms, transparency, stakeholder engagement and renewed commitment to equity and fairness.

Benjamin applauded Omidiran’s outstanding contributions to sports administration, particularly her role in advancing women’s sports and inspiring future generations of leaders.

“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 stated.

“You have consistently demonstrated that sports is not merely about competition but a powerful instrument for leadership, youth empowerment, social inclusion and national development. Your remarkable journey continues to inspire generations of sports administrators, journalists and young Nigerians,” he said.

Benjamin also further explained that SWAN’s decision to nominate Omidiran as its first National Matron was in recognition of her exceptional track records and 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,” he added.

Hon. Omidiran is expected to be formally decorated as the National Matron of SWAN during the Association’s National Triennial Congress scheduled for August 2026, where sports journalists from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory will gather to elect new national officers and chart a new course for the future of sports journalism in Nigeria.