The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), Cornelius O. Adebayo, paid a courtesy visit to Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, at his office in Abuja.
The visit underscored the growing recognition of grassroots development as the foundation for national growth, with both leaders agreeing on the urgent need for stronger collaboration across sectors to empower Nigerian youths.
Speaking during the visit, Adebayo described grassroots development as “the most important part of our society,” stressing that sustainable national progress must begin at the community level.
“Grassroots is where the real work begins,” Adebayo said.
“I am calling on everyone in the corporate world and across government institutions to support the office of the SSA.
This office needs collective cooperation and support because its mandate touches the very foundation of our society.”
He noted that sports, agriculture and youth empowerment share a common denominator at the grassroots, adding that partnerships between agencies like NALDA and the Office of the SSA can unlock opportunities, create jobs and strengthen social stability.
In his response, Adeboye expressed appreciation for the visit and the show of solidarity, describing it as a clear signal that inter-agency collaboration is key to delivering meaningful impact.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Tinubu administration to using grassroots sports as a tool for youth engagement, discipline, unity and national development, adding that synergy with agencies focused on agriculture, skills and livelihoods would multiply results.
The meeting concluded with both parties agreeing to explore areas of collaboration that align sports development with broader community empowerment initiatives, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The visit further highlights increasing national momentum around grassroots-focused policies as a pathway to inclusive growth and youth-driven development in Nigeria.
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