Jim Okolo Takes Reform Agenda to NSC, Targets Stronger Para-Sports and Grassroots Development

Hon. Dr. Jim Chimezie Okolo, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Jimez Petroleum Resources Ltd., has intensified efforts to reposition sports development in the Federal Capital Territory with a strategic visit to Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC).

Dr. Okolo, who currently serves as Chairman of the Caretaker Committee for the FCT Para-Volley Association and Chief Coordinator of All Sports Development in the FCT, said the visit was driven by a commitment to build a modern, inclusive, and accountable sports framework that reflects the true potential of Abuja’s athletes. He also holds several important national and international roles, including Founder of the Jim Mezie Foundation and Chairman of the Governing Council of the proposed Bridget University, Mbaise.

Beyond national duties, Okolo’s influence extends into global civic leadership. Through Nouvelle Perspective, a body operating under the auspices of the United Nations and the Swiss Government, he is accredited as National Coordinator for International Election Observers. This role has positioned him as a global peace advocate and elections diplomat involved in multilateral oversight engagements across UN-member countries. He has also been recognized as a “United Nations Mayor for World Peace.”

During the meeting in Abuja, Okolo emphasized that para-sports in the FCT—particularly para-volleyball—have suffered from years of insufficient attention, weak structures, and limited developmental investment. He said the time has come to correct these long-standing lapses by strengthening athlete support systems, improving training facilities, and expanding opportunities for athletes with disabilities.

He outlined a new direction for the FCT Para-Volley Association, noting that it will undergo a comprehensive rebuild aimed at improving technical capacity, athlete welfare, coaching quality, and access to competitive platforms. As Chief Coordinator of All Sports Development in the FCT, he further revealed plans for a territory-wide grassroots sports revival that will target early talent discovery, revitalize community sports centers, and develop unified programmes across the six area councils.

“Our athletes deserve an environment that reflects global best practices. This requires planning, discipline, inclusion, and a system that values every athlete equally. What we are building is not just for today—it is for future generations,” Okolo said.

In response, NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko praised the initiative, describing Okolo’s agenda as bold and timely. He reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to partner with the FCT sports leadership, especially in areas of para-sports expansion, youth development, and aligning the FCT’s activities with national priorities. Dikko noted that Okolo’s broad exposure—spanning business, international diplomacy, education, philanthropy, and community development—offers a rare blend of experience needed to transform sports administration.

Discussions at the meeting also covered the strengthening of athlete development pathways, upcoming national para-volleyball programmes, and building mechanisms to integrate FCT athletes into national high-performance structures. Both parties agreed to establish a technical working team that will design a practical, time-bound blueprint for sports advancement across the territory.

Sports stakeholders say Okolo’s intervention marks a turning point for sports in the FCT. His fusion of international experience and local commitment is expected to drive a new era of structured, inclusive, and athlete-centered sports development.

By taking his reform mission to the NSC, Dr. Jim Chimezie Okolo has signaled a firm resolve to elevate FCT sports to national and global relevance—anchored on accountability, innovation, and genuine respect for athletes at every level.