Soname, Dikko, Wike, Governors Back Ikpeme's New Sports Development Book

Soname, Dikko, Wike, Governors Back Ikpeme's New Sports Development Book

By Niyi Busari 

Prominent sports investor and business leader, Kunle Soname, will headline the public presentation of a new book examining the future of sports development in Nigeria.

Soname, Founder and Chairman of ValueJet Airlines and Bet9ja, is expected to serve as the Chief Launcher at the unveiling of Perspectives on Sports Development in Nigeria: Challenges and Ways Forward, authored by renowned sports administrator and psychologist, Dr. Emmanuel Edem Ikpeme.

Dr. Ikpeme, a Member of the Order of the Niger (MON), Fellow of the Institute of Sports Management (FISM), and long-serving Deputy General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), is widely recognised for his contributions to Nigerian football. He has also served as sports psychologist to the Super Eagles, playing a key role in the team's recent successes, including a silver-medal finish at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations and a bronze-medal outing at the 2026 tournament.

The event will be chaired by Senator John Owan Enoh, Minister of State for Industry and former Minister of Sports Development.

Top officials of the National Sports Commission are also expected to attend, led by Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director-General Hon. Bukola Olopade. They will be joined by members of the board and management of the Nigeria Football Federation.

Organisers disclosed that a high-powered delegation from Cross River State, the author's home state, will be present at the ceremony. The delegation is expected to be led by Governor Senator Bassey Otu and Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Peter Odey.

Other distinguished guests expected at the event include the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, Imo State Governor Senator Hope Uzodinma, and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The book presentation is scheduled to take place at 12 noon on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at the VIP Lounge of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Airport Road, Abuja.

The publication is expected to stimulate critical discussions on the challenges confronting Nigerian sports and provide practical recommendations for sustainable growth and development across the sector.