The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeyinka, has been honoured with a Distinguished Leadership Award by the Society of Nigeria Theatre Artists (SONTA) in recognition of his leadership, public service and contributions to the development of Nigeria’s creative and performing arts sector.
The award was presented during the 39th International Conference of the Society of Nigeria Theatre Artists, held at Lead City University, Ibadan, on August 19, 2026.
The honour recognises Hon. Adeboye’s “visionary leadership, exemplary service and outstanding contributions to the growth and advancement of the creative and performing arts in Nigeria.”
Receiving the award, Hon. Adeboye expressed his appreciation to SONTA and the organisers of the conference, describing the recognition as both an honour and a reminder of the responsibility that comes with public service.
He said the connection between sports, culture and the creative industry remains an important part of Nigeria’s grassroots development, noting that young Nigerians possess enormous talents across sports, theatre, music, film and other creative disciplines.
“I am deeply humbled by this recognition. I receive it not only as an award, but as a call to do more. Our young people are gifted, creative and full of potential, and our responsibility is to create the platforms and opportunities that allow those talents to flourish.”
The SSA noted that grassroots development should not be viewed solely through the prism of sporting activities, stressing that communities across Nigeria are home to young people with diverse talents that require investment, mentorship, infrastructure and access to opportunities.
According to him, the same philosophy driving the Federal Government’s renewed focus on grassroots sports can also support the growth of the creative and performing arts.
“There is a strong connection between sports and the creative industry. Both give our young people a platform to express themselves, build careers and contribute to the development of our country. When we invest in our grassroots, we are investing in the future of Nigeria.”
Hon. Adeboye commended SONTA and Lead City University for sustaining platforms that promote scholarship, professionalism and the advancement of Nigeria’s theatre and performing arts.
He also pledged to continue supporting initiatives that promote youth empowerment, talent discovery and opportunities for young Nigerians, in line with the broader development objectives of the Federal Government.
The SSA dedicated the recognition to the young Nigerians working every day to develop their talents and to all stakeholders contributing to the growth of Nigeria’s sports and creative ecosystem.
“This award belongs, in many ways, to the young people whose talents and dreams inspire us to keep working. Our duty is to build an environment where a child discovered in a community today can become a national and global success story tomorrow.”
Hon. Adeboye further expressed gratitude to the organisers for considering him worthy of the Distinguished Leadership Award, assuring that the recognition would strengthen rather than diminish his commitment to public service.
“I am grateful to SONTA for this honour. I will continue to see every recognition as encouragement to serve better, work harder and remain committed to building opportunities for our young people.”
