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As the countdown continues to the 2026 National Grassroots Sports Development Summit, organizers have identified five strategic pillars that will guide discussions towards building a sustainable sporting future for Nigeria.
The Summit, scheduled for November 18-19, 2026 at the Banquet Hall, State House, Presidential Villa, Abuja, will focus on participation, talent development, infrastructure, sports economy and international pathways.
Also Read: Countdown to Grassroots Sports Summit: Organizers Unveil Official Website, Strengthen Technical Partnership with NESG
Hosted by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President for Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, the two-day meeting is themed “Creating a new path for sustainable development of grassroots sport.”
The five pillars reflect a deliberate effort to move Nigerian sports beyond the occasional discovery of talent to an integrated system that creates opportunities, develops athletes and generates lasting economic and social benefits.
The first pillar, Participation, will examine how to expand access to sports through schools and communities, encourage youth participation, promote women and girls in sports and remove barriers that prevent talented Nigerians from participating.
Talent development, the second pillar, will address scouting, training, structured competitions, athlete welfare and sports science, with an emphasis on establishing clear pathways from grassroots participation to elite performance.
The third pillar, Infrastructure, will focus on developing, rehabilitating and sustainably managing sporting facilities, particularly at community and local government level, where limited access to suitable facilities continues to restrict sporting opportunities.
Under the fourth pillar, Sports Economy, stakeholders will explore how grassroots sports can stimulate youth employment, entrepreneurship, private sector investment and sustainable sports businesses.
The fifth pillar, International Pathways, will examine opportunities for partnerships, technical exchanges, scholarships, scouting, international training and exposure for promising Nigerian athletes.
Speaking on the importance of the framework, Adeboye emphasized that Nigeria must take a comprehensive approach to sports development rather than treating talent identification, infrastructure and financing as separate challenges.
“You cannot talk about discovering champions without providing facilities, qualified coaches, regular competitions and opportunities for progression. These five pillars are interconnected and that is why the Summit will examine them as essential components of a sustainable development system,” he said.
The presidential assistant explained that the ultimate goal is to establish a practical framework that connects schools, communities, local governments, sports federations, educational institutions and private sector organizations.
“Our ambition is to create a Nigeria where a talented child, regardless of location or background, can participate in sports, receive proper training and have a realistic path to national and international excellence,” Adeboye added.
The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), engaged as a technical partner, is expected to support policy-focused discussions and the development of actionable recommendations.
With 20 days left before the Summit, the organizers encourage sports stakeholders, development partners, corporate organizations and interested Nigerians to participate in shaping the proposed roadmap.
Registration is free through the Summit website. /https://grass-root-sports.vercel.app/
The Summit is expected to conclude with recommendations aimed at strengthening grassroots sports structures, expanding opportunities for young Nigerians and positioning sports as a more important contributor to national development.
