Adeboye Hails Tinubu’s Sports Drive At Abuja Peace Walk, IDP Outreach

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his sustained support for grassroots sports, describing it as a vital tool for national development and social inclusion.

Adeboye made the remarks in Abuja during activities marking the 2026 International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, which combined fitness, advocacy and humanitarian outreach.

The event, themed “Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers,” began with a Presidential Peace Walk from Unity Fountain to Eagles Square, attracting thousands of participants from across different sectors of society. The walk symbolised unity and reinforced the role of sport in promoting peace and cohesion.

Speaking at the event, Adeboye noted that the Federal Government’s renewed focus on grassroots sports is already yielding positive results.

“We are grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support for grassroots sports development. This initiative is not just about celebrating sport, but about restoring hope, empowering communities and improving lives,” he said.

He added that sport remains a powerful vehicle for engaging young people, fostering discipline and creating opportunities for social mobility.

The event drew key stakeholders from the Nigerian sports sector, including Shehu Dikko, Habu Ahmed Gumel, and Mohammed Sanusi, alongside development partners and enthusiasts.

At Eagles Square, participants took part in an energetic aerobics session to promote healthy living and physical fitness. The atmosphere was lively, reflecting the unifying spirit of the occasion.

The programme’s outreach component later shifted to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp in Apo, where residents engaged in recreational sporting activities designed to uplift spirits and encourage inclusion.

Relief materials and cash donations were also distributed to families at the camp, providing much-needed support and reinforcing the initiative’s humanitarian impact.

Organisers said the combination of sport and social intervention underscores the broader objectives of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, which aims to harness the power of sport to address societal challenges.

The Abuja event highlighted how sport can transcend competition, serving as a bridge between communities and a catalyst for positive change, particularly among vulnerable populations.

For many participants, the day was not only about physical activity but also about demonstrating solidarity, compassion and a shared commitment to building a more inclusive society.