The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, has declared that the second half of 2026 will be dedicated to the aggressive implementation of grassroots sports development programmes across Nigeria, with special emphasis on expanding sporting infrastructure, talent discovery, community engagement, and strategic partnerships.
Speaking while outlining the priorities of his office for the remaining part of the year, Hon. Adeboye said the time for planning has passed, stressing that the focus is now on delivering tangible projects that will positively impact millions of young Nigerians.
According to the SSA, one of the greatest challenges confronting sports development in Nigeria is the inadequate availability of sporting infrastructure at the grassroots level, a gap that has limited opportunities for talent discovery and youth participation in sports.
“The future of Nigerian sports begins at the grassroots. If we are serious about producing world-class athletes and building a sustainable sports economy, then we must first invest in our communities. Sporting infrastructure is the foundation upon which every successful sporting nation is built.”
Hon. Adeboye disclosed that his office is working on a comprehensive grassroots sports development framework that will ensure sporting facilities become accessible to communities across the country, particularly within the 774 Local Government Areas.
He explained that the initiative is designed not only to improve access to sports facilities but also to create safe spaces where young people can develop their talents, promote healthy living, strengthen social cohesion, and contribute to national development.
The SSA also revealed that the Office is finalising plans for a National Grassroots Sports Development Summit, which will bring together government institutions, sports federations, corporate organisations, development partners, educational institutions, traditional rulers, community leaders, investors, and other critical stakeholders to chart a new course for grassroots sports in Nigeria.
According to him, the summit will serve as a platform for policy dialogue, investment mobilisation, knowledge sharing, and strategic collaboration aimed at repositioning grassroots sports as a catalyst for youth empowerment and economic growth.
Hon. Adeboye emphasised that while government remains committed to driving the vision, sustainable sports development requires the active participation of every stakeholder.
“Government cannot do it alone. Grassroots sports development is a shared responsibility. We are therefore calling on state governments, local government councils, private sector organisations, corporate bodies, development agencies, sports federations, non-governmental organisations, educational institutions, and well-meaning Nigerians to join hands with us. Together, we can build a sports ecosystem that will transform lives and unlock the enormous potential of our young people.”
He noted that sports has become one of the world’s fastest-growing industries and that Nigeria possesses the talent, population, and passion to become a global sporting powerhouse if the right structures are put in place.
The SSA reiterated that all the initiatives being pursued by his office are fully aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, particularly in the areas of youth development, job creation, community engagement, national unity, and economic diversification.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration understands the power of sports as a vehicle for national transformation. Our mandate is to ensure that every talented young Nigerian, irrespective of geographical location or social background, has access to opportunities that can transform their lives through sports.”
Hon. Adeboye further assured Nigerians that the second half of the year would witness the rollout of several impactful programmes and partnerships aimed at strengthening grassroots sports development nationwide.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development to building sustainable structures that will outlive the present administration and position Nigeria as a leading force in global sports.
“This is a defining moment for grassroots sports in Nigeria. We are moving beyond ideas to implementation. Our vision is clear, our commitment is unwavering, and with the support of our partners and stakeholders, we are confident that Nigerian sports will witness unprecedented growth from the grassroots to the global stage.”
