Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, has praised the Government of Canada and the High Commission of Canada in Nigeria for using sport as a tool to promote diplomacy, unity and inclusion.
Speaking at the opening of the Abuja Diplomatic Soccer Tournament, Olopade, who was represented by Assistant Director Mrs. Mariam Motunrayo Oloruntoyin Akande, described the competition as an example of football’s unique ability to bring people together regardless of nationality or cultural differences.
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“Sport speaks louder than policy papers. It builds friendships where formal diplomacy ends,” Olopade said.
He noted that football continues to serve as one of the world’s most powerful platforms for fostering understanding, cooperation and peaceful coexistence among nations.
According to the NSC boss, inclusion remains a major pillar of the Commission’s RESET, REFOCUS and RELAUNCH (RRR) agenda.
Olopade stressed that every Nigerian deserves equal opportunities to participate and succeed in sport, irrespective of their background or physical ability.
“Sport is not a privilege but a right,” he said.
He also paid tribute to Nigeria’s para-athletes, describing them as a constant source of inspiration and proof that disability should never be seen as a barrier to excellence.
“Our para-athletes continue to show that disability is not inability. We must create opportunities where no one is left behind,” he added.
Olopade thanked the Government of Canada and the Canadian High Commission for their continued partnership and support for sports development in Nigeria.
He also wished all participating teams a successful tournament, expressing hope that the competition would strengthen friendship and unity among the participating diplomatic missions.
