The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeyinka, has said the time has come for Nigeria to undertake a comprehensive reform of its sports sector, noting that the growing calls for change across the country must translate into concrete policies and sustainable action.
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Adeboye made the declaration as his office prepares to host the National Grassroots Sports Development Summit at the Banquet Hall, State House, Presidential Villa, Abuja, under the theme: “Creating a New Pathway for Sustainable Grassroots Sports Development.”
The Summit has received the endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has also called on relevant stakeholders and Nigerians to give the initiative their full support.
According to Adeboye, the Presidential endorsement could not have come at a more important moment, with Nigerians, athletes, coaches, administrators and other stakeholders calling for a fundamental reform of the way sports is developed and managed in the country.
“This is the time Nigerians are calling for sports reform, and Mr. President is listening. The call is not just about changing individuals; it is about changing systems, strengthening institutions and creating a sports structure that can work for the Nigerian child and the Nigerian athlete.”
He said the reform conversation must begin at the grassroots because that is where the country’s sporting journey starts.
“If we want a different result at the top, we must change what happens at the bottom. Grassroots sports is the foundation. If the foundation is strong, our elite sports will become stronger.”
Adeboye said the Summit is therefore designed to bring together the critical stakeholders needed to develop a practical roadmap for a new grassroots sports architecture that will identify talents early, nurture them properly and create a clear pathway into elite and professional sport.
He added that the discussion would go beyond football and athletics to encompass the full spectrum of sporting opportunities available to Nigerian youths.
The Summit will feature two major keynote sessions: “Grassroots Sports Development in Nigeria: Challenges and Way Forward” and “The Game Changer: How Sports Rescues Youth and Builds Nations.”
Adeboye said the second theme captures the broader responsibility of government and stakeholders, stressing that sports must be viewed not merely as competition but as a powerful instrument for youth empowerment, employment, discipline, social inclusion, talent development and national unity.
“When we talk about sports reform, we are talking about the future of millions of Nigerian youths. Sports can give a young person purpose. It can create a career, provide education, build character and keep young people away from negative influences. That is why grassroots sports must become a national development priority.”
He commended President Tinubu for giving the reform conversation the necessary political backing and for recognising the importance of creating stronger pathways for young Nigerians.
The SSA also called on state governments, local governments, schools, sports federations, clubs, academies, coaches, former athletes, corporate organisations and development partners to see the Summit as a collective national responsibility.
“This is not the reform of the SSA’s office. This is not the reform of one ministry or one commission. This is about Nigeria. Everybody who loves Nigerian sports must be part of this conversation.”
Adeboye expressed confidence that the Summit would mark an important step towards building a sports system in which talent is discovered early, athletes are properly developed, facilities are available, competitions are regular and pathways to elite sport are clearly defined.
“The era of discovering talents and leaving them to chance must end. We must build a system that takes a child from the community to the school, from the school to competition, from competition to elite sport and ultimately to the international stage.”
He said the National Grassroots Sports Development Summit would provide an opportunity to listen, evaluate, rethink existing structures and develop practical recommendations that can contribute to the wider national sports reform agenda.
“The time for sports reform is now. The time to build the future is now. And the future of Nigerian sports must begin from the grassroots.”
