In a move underscoring growing inter-agency collaboration to empower Nigeria’s youth, Air Vice Marshal T.O. Yusuf, Chairman of the Air International Liaison Secretariat of the Nigerian Air Force, and Mr. Kadiri Waheed Olateju paid a courtesy visit to the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Adeboye, at his Abuja office earlier today.
The high-level visit focused on exploring areas of synergy between the Nigerian Air Force and the Office of the SSA to the President, particularly in promoting discipline, leadership, and physical fitness through sports among young Nigerians.
Welcoming the delegation, Hon. Adeboye expressed appreciation for the Air Force’s interest in supporting youth-focused programs and reiterated the federal government’s commitment—under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda—to leveraging sports as a tool for national development and social cohesion.
“This visit by such esteemed officers of the Nigerian Air Force shows that sports is no longer just about competition; it is now seen as a vehicle for national security, youth engagement, and capacity building,” Adeboye said.
Air Vice Marshal Yusuf commended Hon. Adeboye for the energy and innovation he has brought to grassroots sports development and noted that the military is increasingly open to partnerships that promote national unity and youth empowerment.
Discussions at the meeting reportedly included possible joint sports initiatives, mentorship programs, and the use of military sports facilities for community-based development programs.
Mr. Kadiri Waheed Olateju, who accompanied the Air Force delegation, also emphasized the role of inter-agency collaboration in achieving lasting social change, especially in restive and underserved communities.
Hon. Adeboye assured the delegation of his office’s readiness to work closely with all patriotic institutions to deliver lasting impact through sports and youth programming.
The meeting ended on a cordial note, with both parties pledging to maintain open lines of communication and begin exploratory talks on pilot programs in selected regions.
