By Suhaib Auwal
In an era when public officials are often accused of being aloof and disconnected from the everyday realities of citizens, Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), has again demonstrated what it means to lead with empathy, humility, and an unwavering sense of responsibility.
Following the devastating road accident involving the Kano State contingents returning from the National Sports Festival in Ogun State, Nigeria was plunged into mourning. The lives of young, promising athletes were tragically cut short, a loss not just for Kano, but for the entire nation.
Amid the sorrow, one man stood out for his swift and sincere response: Shehu Dikko.
At the time of the incident, Dikko was in the United Kingdom attending the final of the 2025 Unity Cup in London as a Special Guest. His trip was not merely ceremonial, he was engaged in strategic meetings focused on strengthening Nigeria’s domestic sports infrastructure.
But when news of the tragedy reached him, he did not hesitate. He didn’t wait for a formal report. He didn’t delegate the responsibility.
He immediately cut short his engagements, flew back to Nigeria in the early hours of Tuesday, June 3rd, and went straight to Kano, not to Abuja, not to Lagos, but to the very heart of the grief.
This is the kind of leadership Nigeria needs: responsive, compassionate, and people-centered.
At the Kano State Government House, where he was received by Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo and other top officials, Dikko’s presence was more than symbolic, it was deeply meaningful.
The Deputy Governor lauded his gesture, describing it as a rare act of empathy and personal commitment.
Your visit, despite your tight schedule and international engagements, shows your deep concern, zeal, and determination to stand with us during this painful time. Gwarzo remarked.
I had to cut short my trip to the UK, where I was holding strategic meetings to boost our domestic sports, to come down and visit the people of Kano. Dikko said.
“Going forward, the need for enhanced safety and welfare of participating athletes before, during, and after major sporting events will become even more topical now. Our prayer is that this should never happen again.”
But Dikko didn’t stop at official statements. He went further, visiting the homes of bereaved families in Fagge and Gwagwarwa. He sat with them, listened to them, and mourned with them.
At Gwagwarwa’s Juma’at Mosque, a special prayer was led by the Chief Imam, Mallam Adda’u, who commended both Dikko and President Bola Tinubu for their show of concern during the trying time. This was not a photo opportunity, it was a heartfelt act of solidarity.
Dikko also visited the injured athletes undergoing treatment at the Murtala Muhammed Hospital, offering words of encouragement and pledging continued support from the NSC and the federal government.
He was accompanied on these visits by senior NSC officials, including the Director of Finance and Administration, Alamin Mustapha; Director of Facilities, Muhammed Rabiu; Director of Special Duties; and the Chairman’s Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties and Protocol, Hon. Ahmed Muazu Kawu.
In the face of a national tragedy, Shehu Dikko reminded us that empathy is not weakness, it is a form of strength. His actions transcend sports administration; they speak to the very heart of leadership. He chose to be present, to stand with the grieving, and to give voice to the pain of others.
As discussions begin on how to improve safety standards and logistics for athletes across the country, Dikko’s response serves both as a moral example and a catalyst for policy reform.
Because at the end of the day, leadership is not about titles, it is about heart. Mallam Shehu Dikko has shown us his. And for that, he deserves our deepest respect.
Suhaib Auwal is a journalist based in Kano. He can be reached at suhaiburrumi74@gmail.com.
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