Sports Can Contribute Over 50% to Nigeria’s GDP If Properly Harnessed, Says Omidiran …Accepts Historic SWAN National Matron Nomination
Oru Leonard
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Hon. Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has said Nigeria’s sports sector has the capacity to contribute more than 50 per cent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) if strategically developed, describing sports as a powerful driver of economic growth, national unity and youth empowerment.
Speaking on Tuesday while receiving the National Executive Committee of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), led by its President, Isaiah Benjamin, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, Omidiran said the Federal Government is committed to repositioning sports as a critical pillar of national development.
The former Executive Board Member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and former member of FIFA’s Women Football Committee stressed that sports extends beyond recreation and competition, noting that it has the potential to transform communities and stimulate economic prosperity.
“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,” she said.
A major highlight of the visit was Omidiran’s acceptance of her nomination as the first-ever National Matron of SWAN. Expressing appreciation for the honour, 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 commended Omidiran’s leadership at the Federal Character Commission, describing her tenure as one marked by institutional reforms, transparency, stakeholder engagement and a renewed commitment to equity and fairness.
He also praised her outstanding contributions to sports administration, particularly her efforts in promoting women’s sports and using sports as a platform for leadership, youth empowerment and national integration.
Benjamin said SWAN’s decision to nominate Omidiran as its first National Matron was in recognition of her distinguished service to sports development, public administration and nation-building.
According to him, her acceptance of the honour would deepen collaboration between SWAN and the Federal Character Commission while advancing their shared vision of fostering a more united, inclusive and equitable Nigeria through sports.
Omidiran is expected to be formally decorated as SWAN’s National Matron during the Association’s National Triennial Congress scheduled for August 2026. The congress 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.
