The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, has called for stronger international partnerships to accelerate grassroots sports development in Nigeria, describing global collaboration as a critical pillar in discovering, nurturing, and developing the next generation of Nigerian sporting champions.
Hon. Adeboye made the call during the official handover ceremony of badminton equipment donated by the Badminton Association of Japan through the Ambassador of Japan to Nigeria, His Excellency Suzuki Hideo, in Abuja.
The ceremony brought together prominent stakeholders in the Nigerian sports sector, including the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko; the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade; the President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih; officials of the Japanese Embassy, sports administrators, athletes, and other development partners.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Adeboye described the donation as far more than the presentation of sporting equipment, saying it represents a strategic investment in Nigeria’s youth and the future of sports development.
“Grassroots sports development thrives on partnerships. Today’s donation is more than badminton equipment; it is an investment in the dreams of young Nigerians and in the future of our nation’s sports.
Every racket, shuttlecock, and piece of equipment placed in the hands of a young athlete brings us one step closer to discovering the next African and world champion.”
The Presidential aide expressed profound appreciation to the Government of Japan, the Japan Badminton Association, and Ambassador Suzuki Hideo for their unwavering support for sports development in Nigeria, noting that the gesture reflects the enduring friendship and growing bilateral relationship between both countries.
According to him, access to quality sporting equipment remains one of the biggest challenges confronting grassroots sports across the country, stressing that partnerships of this nature help bridge the gap and create opportunities for young talents to realise their full potential.
“Government cannot build a sustainable sports ecosystem alone. We need strategic collaborations with friendly nations, international sports bodies, development agencies, corporate organisations, and the private sector.
Together, we can create opportunities that will transform lives, strengthen communities, and position Nigeria as a global sporting powerhouse.”
Hon. Adeboye stated that the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development remains committed to building strategic partnerships that will expand access to sporting facilities, equipment, coaching, and athlete development programmes across the country’s 774 Local Government Areas.
He noted that the initiative aligns seamlessly with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which places strong emphasis on youth empowerment, human capital development, international cooperation, and sustainable national development.
The SSA further reaffirmed his office’s commitment to working closely with the National Sports Commission, national sports federations, diplomatic missions, and development partners to strengthen grassroots sports structures and provide more opportunities for young Nigerians.
“Our vision is simple but ambitious—to ensure that every talented child, regardless of where he or she is born, has access to the facilities, equipment, mentorship, and opportunities needed to succeed. Through partnerships like this, we are laying the foundation for a brighter future for Nigerian sports.”
Hon. Adeboye also commended the leadership of the National Sports Commission under Mallam Shehu Dikko and Hon. Bukola Olopade, as well as the Badminton Federation of Nigeria led by Francis Orbih, for their unwavering commitment to the development of badminton and grassroots sports in the country.
He expressed confidence that the collaboration between Nigeria and Japan would further strengthen badminton development, inspire greater youth participation in sports, and open new pathways for international cooperation in athlete development and sports excellence.
The ceremony concluded with the symbolic presentation of the donated badminton equipment, reaffirming the shared commitment of Nigeria and Japan to empowering young people through sports and promoting friendship, excellence, and sustainable development.
