Nigeria at 66: Adeboye says grassroots sports must be central to nation-building

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye congratulated Nigerians on the country’s 66th anniversary of independence and called for renewed commitment to nation building and greater investment in youth through grassroots sports.

Adeboye said Nigeria’s independence anniversary should provide an opportunity not only to celebrate the country’s journey but also to reflect on the responsibility of every citizen and institution to contribute to building a stronger nation.

He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda places significant emphasis on opportunities for youth and grassroots inclusion, while the President has also led reforms aimed at strengthening development pathways and accountability within Nigerian football.

According to Adeboye, sport remains one of Nigeria’s strongest instruments for national unity, youth empowerment and international recognition, making grassroots development particularly important for the country’s future.

“As Nigeria celebrates 66 years of independence, we must remember that nation-building is a collective responsibility. We all have a role to play and, from our own responsibility in the development of grassroots sport, we must continue to create opportunities that allow young Nigerians to discover their talents, develop their potential and contribute positively to the country,” Adeboye said.

The presidential aide said the administration’s renewed attention to sports provides an opportunity to establish sustainable structures capable of identifying and developing talents from communities and schools across the federation.

President Tinubu earlier described young Nigerians as an important driver of the country’s future, identifying sports among the sectors through which his administration seeks to expand opportunities for them.

Adeboye said Nigeria’s sporting history demonstrates how athletes from modest backgrounds can become national heroes when given the right opportunities.

“Every champion starts somewhere. Many of the athletes who have carried our flag proudly around the world started in schools, streets and community competitions. Our responsibility is to ensure that the next generation has an even clearer path from the grassroots to the podium,” he said.

He added that sports should increasingly be seen beyond medals and trophies, highlighting its ability to create jobs, promote discipline, strengthen communities and provide productive opportunities to Nigeria’s young population.

Adeboye also called for greater collaboration between federal and state governments, local councils, schools, sports federations, communities and the private sector in the development of facilities and grassroots competitions.

He said the SSA Office would continue to work on initiatives capable of bringing sporting opportunities closer to Nigerian youths and strengthening talent discovery across the country.

“At 66 years old, our message is one of hope, unity and responsibility,” Adeboye said. “We have challenges, but we also have extraordinary human potential. Through sport, we can unite our people, empower our youth and raise champions who will carry the Nigerian flag with pride.”

He wished President Tinubu, Nigerian athletes, sports stakeholders and citizens of the country and diaspora a peaceful 66th anniversary of Independence, and urged Nigerians to continue believing in the country’s possibilities.