The Nigerian Economic Summit Group has called on everyone to see grassroots sports as more than just medals and trophies. They want people to recognize it as a way to create jobs, empower youth, and grow the economy. This call comes ahead of the National Grassroots Sports Development Summit 2026.
The two-day summit will take place on November 18 and 19 at the Presidential Banquet Hall in the Presidential Villa, Abuja. It will gather government officials, sports administrators, private sector representatives, development partners, academics, coaches, athletes, and grassroots practitioners.
The summit is organized by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Adeyinka Adeboye, with help from NESG. The theme is "Creating a New Pathway for Sustainable Grassroots Sports Development."
The goal is to shift the talks about grassroots sports from just policies to real actions. The summit will provide a space for stakeholders to share ideas, build partnerships, and create plans to connect community participation with top-level sports opportunities.
At a press briefing on Wednesday in Abuja, NESG Head of Public Affairs and Public Policy, Seun Ojo, emphasized that Nigeria needs to see grassroots sports as a key part of its national economic growth strategy.
"The enormous potential within the sector can only be unlocked through deliberate policies, sustainable infrastructure, stronger institutions, and effective collaboration between government and private investors," she said.
Ojo praised Adeboye for leading an initiative that connects sports development with economic chances for Nigerians, especially young people.
She mentioned that NESG's support for the summit will include technical help and content support. This will cover designing discussion sessions, engaging stakeholders, and documenting recommendations to guide future policies.
She highlighted the importance of making sure that the talks at the summit lead to real solutions that can strengthen Nigeria’s sports system and attract lasting investments.
Ojo also noted the summit’s focus on getting more people involved, school and community sports, talent development, infrastructure, and the growing grassroots sports economy.
The program will include keynote speeches, plenary sessions, technical discussions, stakeholder roundtables, investment dialogues, and interactions with young people and athletes.
Expected speakers include Nigeria Cricket Federation President, Uyi Akpata; former Nigeria Football Federation board member, Seyi Akinwunmi; and Confederation of African Football Secretary-General, Samson Adamu, along with other sports leaders and stakeholders.
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