By Godwin Bamigboye.
There is a saying that, “two heads are better than one”. It has also been disputed that the two heads must be good heads. Invariably, two bad heads cannot be better than one good head. Look at it logically and you will arrive at your own conclusion.
Since the appointment of Shehu Dikko as the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC) by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, a lot has been said for and against his appointment. It generated controversies to the extent that a faint hearted individual may not have enough oxygen to sustain the choking effects of the allegations.
I saw the position as presented by the unrelenting critic, Harrison Jalla. I saw the backlash he received as a wanted person. I read these contents with interest, though disturbing. I saw these developments as distractions. To the best of my knowledge, I have not seen any conviction of Shehu Dikko. What I have seen are allegations which untill proven remain allegations. On the side of Harrison Jalla, I have seen a publication where he was declared wanted by the Nigeria Police. I still see Jalla traversing the streets of Nigeria and not yet arrested. I immediately resolved within me that these developments are calculated intentions to cause distractions especially as Sports management is being reverted from Ministry to Commission. Whether my thoughts are right or wrong, the progress or failures of Sports under the National Sports Commission will unveil some realities.
I initially put together a write up titled Shehu Dikko versus Distractions. Shortly before the intended date of publication, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu facilitated another prominent story through the appointment of a known Sports Administrator, Bukola Olopade as Director General of the National Sports Commission. I quickly jettisoned the earlier write up for this one you are reading, Dikko and Olopade: An example of two good heads?.
I have just asked a question and I believe you have answers.
I had earlier looked at the pedigree of these personalities. I have seen their rich resume. If these are criteria for performance, then the National Sports Commission is going to record an overwhelming performance in Sports for Nigeria. Resume could also turn out to be mere compilation of achievement if the occupant or handler of a responsibility prove inefficient and ineffective in the discharge of such responsibility. It is therefore a necessity for the two heads in the National Sports Commission to prove to Nigerians that they have good heads.
The good head must have vision, develop capacity to manage and bring it to realization. Criticisms, allegations and other negative tendencies are among the challenges that Dikko and Olopade must manage and indeed manage well. The Nigerian sports terrain is bumpy, rough and rugged. Only courageous people can traverse the terrain. Apart from the antagonists on the terrain, there are also sycophants and praise singers who may even be more dangerous than perceived enemies. They may only be interested in the benefits they can derive from Dikko and Olopade and not concerned about the legacies they wish to accomplish. I am not even talking about the Sports stakeholders alone. I am talking about those in the corridors of power and people who are affiliated to the ruling political party and others. This is where I pity Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade. I hope they will be resolute in decision making and implementation. I hope they will have the free hand to work. If your hands will not be twisted against your will, I say congratulations ahead of time.
No matter the situation they may encounter, the proof of being two good heads will be proven after navigating the murky waters of sports and traversing the bumpy rugged and rough roads of sports for a while.
I have seen Shehu Dikko hitting the ground running. Olopade has already queued behind him and running along also.
Time will tell if the two heads are good enough. I am Spectator.
