The Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development will commemorate the 2026 International Day of Sport for Development and Peace with a series of impactful activities designed to promote unity, community engagement, and the transformative power of sports.
The event, scheduled for Monday, April 6, 2026, will be held in Abuja and will bring together sports enthusiasts, community leaders, young athletes, and stakeholders across the Nigerian sports ecosystem.
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According to the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, the celebration underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to using sports as a powerful tool for peace, social inclusion, youth empowerment, and national development.
“Sports have the unique ability to unite people, inspire hope, and promote peace within communities. Through initiatives like this, we continue to demonstrate the role of sports in strengthening unity and creating opportunities for young Nigerians,” Adeboye stated.
Key Activities
The celebration will feature two major activities aimed at promoting fitness, community engagement, and humanitarian outreach.
The day will begin with the Presidential Fitness and Unity Walk, scheduled to hold from 7:00am to 10:00am, starting at Unity Fountain and concluding at Eagles Square, Abuja. The walk is expected to attract participants from across various sectors including youth groups, sports federations, government agencies, and civil society organisations.
Following the walk, the programme will continue with a Community Sports and IDP Camp Outreach from 12:00pm to 3:00pm at the IDP Camp in Apo District, Abuja. The outreach will involve sports activities, interaction with displaced youths, and the distribution of sports materials to encourage participation and provide hope for young people living in displaced communities.
Hon. Adeboye noted that the outreach component reflects the administration’s commitment to ensuring that sports development reaches the most vulnerable communities.
“Sports must not only be about competition; it must also be about compassion, inclusion, and giving every young Nigerian a sense of belonging and opportunity,” he added.
Government Support
The initiative is being organized under the Presidency with the support of key sports institutions, including the National Sports Commission, led by Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade, whose efforts continue to strengthen Nigeria’s grassroots sports structures.
The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, recognized globally by the United Nations, highlights the role of sports in promoting sustainable development, peace, and social cohesion.
Hon. Adeboye called on Nigerians, particularly youths, sports stakeholders, and community organizations, to actively participate in the activities and embrace the spirit of unity and development through sports.
“Together, we can harness the power of sports to build stronger communities, inspire young people, and promote peace across our nation,” he concluded.
The event is expected to further reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to grassroots sports development while strengthening the role of sports as a catalyst for social change.
