Rasaq Oboirien
Makanjuola Nureni, the President of Water FC and a renowned sports philanthropist, popularly known as MK, has expressed his commitment to enhancing grassroots sports development in Nigeria through a strategic partnership with the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC).
MK paid a courtesy visit to NOC President Engineer Habu Gumel in Abuja on Sunday.
The meeting centered on creating a sustainable platform aimed at empowering Nigerian youth through sports.
For over two decades, Nureni has quietly supported the dreams of many aspiring athletes across the country, funding their training and providing exposure to competitive opportunities—particularly in football.
During the visit, MK reaffirmed his dedication to contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s sports ecosystem. “This visit is about strengthening my commitment to the development of Nigerian sports and identifying areas where we can collaborate with the NOC to give more young people a chance to succeed through sports,” he stated.
The Water FC CEO emphasized the critical role of sports in addressing youth unemployment and promoting national unity, calling for greater collaboration between the private sector and sports governing bodies. “Sports is a powerful tool that can create real opportunities for millions of Nigerian youth. We must use it strategically to unlock their potential,” he added.
NOC President Engineer Gumel welcomed the initiative and praised MK’s longstanding contributions to grassroots development, describing him as a “silent pillar” of Nigerian sports.