Grassroots sports can drive jobs, economic growth — NESG

Action from a grassroots football match. Photo: NGSDS

The Nigerian Economic Summit Group has urged stakeholders to look beyond medals and trophies and recognise grassroots sports as a driver of job creation, youth empowerment and economic growth ahead of the National Grassroots Sports Development Summit 2026.

The two-day summit, scheduled for November 18 and 19 at the Presidential Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, will bring together government officials, sports administrators, private sector representatives, development partners, academics, coaches, athletes and grassroots practitioners.

Convened by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Adeyinka Adeboye, with support from NESG, the summit is themed “Creating a New Pathway for Sustainable Grassroots Sports Development”.

It aims to move conversations about grassroots sports beyond policy discussions towards practical action by providing a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, build partnerships and develop strategies to strengthen the pathway from community participation to elite sporting opportunities.

Speaking at a Wednesday press briefing on the summit in Abuja, NESG Head of Public Affairs and Public Policy, Seun Ojo, said Nigeria must begin to treat grassroots sports as an integral part of its national economic development agenda.

“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.

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Ojo commended Adeboye for championing an initiative that seeks to link sports development with economic opportunities for Nigerians, particularly young people.

She said NESG’s partnership with the summit would involve technical and content support, including the design of discussion sessions, stakeholder engagement and documentation of recommendations to guide future policy decisions.

She stressed the need to ensure that discussions at the summit translate into practical solutions capable of strengthening Nigeria’s sports ecosystem and attracting sustainable investment.

Ojo also welcomed the summit’s emphasis on mass participation, school and community sports, talent development, infrastructure and the emerging grassroots sports economy.

The programme will feature keynote addresses, plenary sessions, technical discussions, stakeholder roundtables, investment dialogue and engagements with young people and athletes.

Among the speakers expected to lead discussions are Nigeria Cricket Federation President, Uyi Akpata; former Nigeria Football Federation board member, Seyi Akinwunmi; and Confederation of African Football Secretary-General, Samson Adamu, alongside other sports administrators and stakeholders.