President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has restated his administration’s unwavering commitment to rebuilding Nigerian sports from the ground up, with a renewed and strategic focus on grassroots talent discovery, development, and long-term athlete grooming.
The President made this known through his Senior Special Adviser on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Adeboye, during a special reception organized by the Kwara State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) at the Taiwo Awoniyi Media Centre SWAN Secretariat, Ilorin. The event celebrated distinguished honourees from the recent National SWAN Golden Jubilee Ceremony in Abuja.
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Representing the President, SSA Adeboye said the Renewed Hope Agenda places sports firmly at the heart of youth empowerment, community development, and national unity.
He revealed that the Federal Government has revived the “Hunt a Talent, Adopt a Talent” initiative — a proven programme that has historically produced some of Nigeria’s finest athletes.
“By adopting a talent, the government is getting it right. We believe strongly in grassroots development. We must begin from primary schools to secondary schools and higher institutions, selecting the best talents to represent their states and the country at large,” he said.
Adeboye emphasized that President Tinubu is determined to create a clear pathway for young athletes, ensuring they are discovered early, nurtured properly, and supported throughout their growth.
He added that the administration is working to bring in a younger generation of sports-minded Nigerians who understand the value of discipline, teamwork, and national representation.
The SSA also underscored the unifying force of sports in Nigeria, stating:
“Sports remains one of the strongest tools for national cohesion. It keeps everybody together. We still have a long way to go, but with teamwork and renewed commitment, we will get there.”
Hon. Adeboye used the occasion to commend Kwara SWAN for its decades of consistency, integrity, and developmental contributions, describing sports journalism as an indispensable pillar of the nation’s sports ecosystem.
He assured that SWAN will henceforth be fully integrated into national sports appointments, sports boards, and federation structures.
“We cannot discuss sports without SWAN. Sports journalism is a key driver of administration, accountability, and development in Nigeria,” he added.
The event further cemented the Federal Government’s stance that grassroots sports development is not just a talking point — it is now a national priority.
