Tinubu Greets Sports Administrator Yakmut at 65; Coaches Protest Sports Festival Event Cuts

On behalf of the Nigerian sports community, we extend our warmest felicitations to HRH (Dr) Al-Hassan Saleh Yakmut on the occasion of his 65th birthday. President Bola Tinubu's recognition of Yakmut's remarkable journey, from a professional volleyball player to a distinguished sports administrator and advisor, is a testament to his enduring impact on our nation's sporting landscape. Yakmut's contributions as a football administrator, a trusted advisor, and a champion of grassroots development have indeed left an indelible mark, fostering opportunities, nurturing talent, and strengthening the future of sports in Nigeria. His passion and commitment continue to inspire us all, and we wish him many more years of impactful service.

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Your contributions as a football administrator, trusted adviser to top sports executives, and a champion of grassroots development have left an indelible mark on sports as a unifying force in the nation.

However, amidst these celebrations, a pressing concern has emerged regarding the upcoming 23rd National Sports Festival in Enugu. The Sports Coaches Association of Nigeria (SCAN) has voiced strong opposition to the National Sports Commission's (NSC) decision to drastically reduce the number of events from 40 to 15. This move, made without prior consultation with coaches and technical stakeholders, is deeply troubling. It not only limits opportunities for our burgeoning youth talent but also runs counter to the Federal Government’s 'Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigerian Sports Economy' (RHINSE), which champions sports federations as drivers of job creation and national unity.

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Through your guidance, opportunities have been created, talents have been nurtured, and the future of football has been strengthened. Your passion and commitment continue to inspire both on and off the field.

SCAN's statement highlights the detrimental effects of this decision. It disenfranchises hundreds of coaches who rely on the festival for participation and professional engagement. More critically, it weakens Nigeria's potential medal haul at future African Games, Commonwealth Games, and Olympics, as many of the sports slated for removal were key contributors to our past successes. The assurance given by the NSC in Q1 2026 regarding the festival's expansion, based on a substantial funding budget, makes this sudden reversal even more perplexing and sends the wrong signal. The National Sports Festival is more than just a competition; it is our nation's Olympics, the crucible where future stars like Tobi Amusan and Aruna Quadri are discovered. To diminish it is to diminish Nigeria's future on the global stage.

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Coaches were assured by the NSC in Q1 2026 that the festival would be expanded to reflect the N203.6bn “full funding” budget. This sudden reversal sends the wrong signal after years of advocating for increased investments.