NESG Urges Stakeholders To Look Beyond Medals At Grassroots Sports Summit

The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has urged sports stakeholders to look beyond medals and trophies and recognise grassroots sports as a major driver of job creation, youth empowerment and economic growth.

The call comes ahead of the National Grassroots Sports Development Summit 2026, scheduled for 18–19 November at the State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, with the endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking in Abuja, NESG Head of Public Affairs and Public Policy, Seun Ojo, said Nigeria must begin to regard grassroots sports as a critical component of its national economic development agenda.

She said the sector’s enormous potential could only be unlocked through deliberate policies, sustainable infrastructure, stronger institutions and effective collaboration between government and private-sector investors.

Ojo commended the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, for championing an initiative aimed at linking sports development with economic opportunities, particularly for young Nigerians.

She disclosed that the NESG’s partnership with the summit included technical and content support, covering the design of discussion sessions, stakeholder engagement and documentation of recommendations to guide future policy decisions.

According to her, discussions at the summit must translate into practical solutions capable of strengthening Nigeria’s sports ecosystem and attracting sustainable investment.

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

With six days to the event, the summit is expected to bring together government officials, sports administrators, private-sector leaders and other stakeholders to explore sustainable approaches to grassroots sports development.

The two-day gathering will examine opportunities for expanding participation, developing sporting talent, creating employment and attracting investment into communities across the country.

Members of the public interested in participating virtually can register through www.grassrootssportssummit.ng.