The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, received an Outstanding Recognition Award from the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Oyo State Chapter, following an inspiring lecture delivered on his behalf during the association’s special programme in Ibadan.
The event, held on Tuesday, November 3, at the NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, formed part of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration and 2026 Press Week.
Adeboye was represented by Mr. Betiku Seun Soji, Chief Operating Officer of Smart City Football Club, who delivered the Presidential aide’s address to an enthusiastic audience of journalists, sports administrators and other distinguished guests.
The occasion was attended by notable personalities, including former Nigerian international Dr. Felix Owolabi, MON, Hon. Gbenga Adewusi (Arole), and His Royal Majesty, Oba James Odeniran, the Alakinyele of Akinyele, alongside prominent journalists and sports stakeholders.
The lecture, which attracted a standing ovation, emphasised the critical role of sports journalism in discovering grassroots talents, promoting accountability and shaping the future of Nigerian sports.
Speaking through his representative, Adeboye challenged sports journalists to look beyond established stars and give greater attention to young athletes emerging from schools, communities and rural areas.
“A young athlete in a remote community deserves recognition just as much as an established international star. The story of a schoolgirl winning her first athletics medal today could become the story of an Olympic champion tomorrow,” the address stated.
He further urged journalists to embrace responsible reporting, innovation and constructive engagement with sporting institutions while advocating greater opportunities for women and young athletes.
The SSA also highlighted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to sports development, stressing the importance of collaboration between government, the media and private stakeholders.
He used the occasion to draw attention to the forthcoming National Grassroots Sports Development Summit, scheduled for November 18–19, 2026, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Following the lecture, the organisers presented Adeboye with an *Outstanding Recognition Award* in appreciation of his contributions to grassroots sports development.
The recognition further underscored the growing importance of collaboration between sports administrators and journalists in building a sustainable sporting future for Nigeria.
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