In a groundbreaking show of support for youth sports development, Azeez Amida, Chairman of the Showtime Flag Football League, has announced a ₦5 million scholarship and career advancement package for the most outstanding youngest athlete among the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) at the 22nd National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The generous package includes a full university scholarship, elite sports and educational support, and a guaranteed job opportunity in one of Nigeria’s top three companies—a bold effort to reward talent and inspire long-term development.
The presentation will be made during the grand finale of a national sporting event in Lagos on June 1st, 2025.
Azeez Amida described the initiative as part of a broader mission to provide meaningful opportunities for young Nigerians discovered through grassroots sports.
“These young athletes are showing exceptional talent, drive, and discipline. They deserve a future that matches their potential. I’m proud to support one of them in their journey, both in education and in life,” Amida stated.
The IJA program, championed by the National Sports Commission (NSC) under the leadership of Hon. Bukola Olopade, features under-17 champions from the National Youth Games competing as a unique 38th state at the Sports Festival—an initiative designed to connect grassroots talent to elite pathways.
Reacting to the announcement, DG Hon. Bukola Olopade expressed heartfelt appreciation for Amida’s gesture, describing it as “visionary and transformational.”
“This is what real support for sports development looks like,” Olopade said.
“We created IJA to build future champions, and this scholarship perfectly aligns with that vision. I urge other private individuals and organizations to follow this lead. Together, we can change the narrative of Nigerian sports.”
The IJA initiative is already gaining national recognition, with athletes like Tofumi Ibidapo (13) and Aidan Dumuje Abili (15) emerging as medal winners and future prospects for Nigeria at the Olympics and other global competitions.
With support from forward-thinking leaders like Azeez Amida, Nigeria’s sporting future is not just bright—it’s unstoppable.
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