Leading voices in Nigeria’s sports ecosystem have emphasised transparency, infrastructure development, and sustained investment as critical drivers of long-term growth in the sector.
These calls were made at the 11th edition of the Ladies in Sports (LIS) International Summit in Lagos, where policymakers, administrators, investors, and advocates gathered to chart the future of sports in Nigeria and across Africa.
Notable speakers included Bukola Olopade, Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC); former Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun; philanthropist and National Patron of the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF), Yemi Idowu; and LIS founder, Tega Onojaife.
Adeosun underscored the importance of governance, stressing that sustainable success requires more than building facilities. “Transparency, accountability, and athlete-centred policies are essential for a thriving sports industry. Structures must be built for sports to thrive, and stakeholders must remain committed to the process,” she said.
She added that good governance means identifying athletes’ real needs before investing in infrastructure and programmes.
Idowu urged governments, corporations, and private investors to view sports as a tool for social transformation rather than purely commercial gain. “If your intention in sports is profit alone, then you have missed its true purpose. Sports is fundamentally a social service, offering disadvantaged youth opportunities to rise above poverty and build meaningful livelihoods,” he noted.
He further emphasized the need for public investment in facilities and youth programmes, calling for regional assessments to tailor infrastructure to community needs.
Stakeholders expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future in sports, citing the country’s large youth population and untapped talent as major advantages. They challenged all parties to turn existing challenges into opportunities for innovation and sustainable development.
Olopade highlighted ongoing NSC initiatives to create an enabling environment, strengthen private-sector partnerships, and unlock new economic opportunities.
Onojaife reflected on the summit’s evolution over the past decade, crediting consistent stakeholder support—including that of former NFF Vice-President Seyi Akinwunmi—for sustaining the platform.
She reiterated that the summit was founded to empower women and girls in sports while promoting leadership and investment across the industry.
This year’s theme, “Beyond the Games: Power, Profit and Purpose,” captured the growing recognition of sports as a driver of economic development, social impact, and nation-building. The one-day event featured media professionals, executives, and experts who explored strategies to make sports more sustainable, inclusive, and commercially viable.
Participants agreed that while challenges remain, Nigeria has the talent, population, and market potential to become a global sports powerhouse. Achieving this vision, they concluded, will require sound governance, strategic investment, and a shared commitment to developing sports as both a social and economic asset.
