The inaugural Sports Meet Nigeria Conference is set to hold on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the prestigious Cubana Hotel in Jabi, Abuja. This high-impact event aims to bring together sports business professionals, investors, marketers, broadcasters, media and public relations experts, as well as sports and social entrepreneurs, administrators, and leaders from key industries to foster collaboration and innovation within Nigeria’s sports sector.
Organised by renowned sports business advisor Akeola Lukumanu Ayinde, who also serves as the CEO of ESEM-GROUP, the conference will feature a series of panel discussions, keynote presentations, networking sessions, and deal-making opportunities.
The focus will be on unlocking the commercial and developmental potential of sports in Nigeria, paving the way for strategic investment and structured growth.
The highlight of the event will be the launch of Ayinde’s new book, “Beyond the Game: Unveiling The Potential of Sports in Nigeria.”
In his words, “Beyond the Game is more than a book; it’s a call to action. Nigeria’s sports industry holds immense potential, but we must shift from mere participation to strategic investment and structured growth. Sports Meet Nigeria is where ideas meet action, where stakeholders across sectors will converge to shape the future of sports as a tool for economic and social transformation.”
Ms. Halima Imam, the event director for Sports Meet Nigeria, expressed the significance of the conference, stating, “This conference is a first-of-its-kind platform where sports professionals and industry leaders from other sectors will engage in solutions-driven conversations. We are creating a space for meaningful partnerships that will drive innovation, investment, and sustainable development in Nigerian sports.”
Musa Sunusi Ahmad, the creative director of the conference, emphasised the need for synergy between the creative and business aspects of sports, remarking, “The creative and business sides of sports must work hand-in-hand to elevate Nigeria’s global sports standing. Sports Meet Nigeria will blend insightful discourse with engaging experiences, ensuring participants leave inspired and equipped to make a difference.”
The event will also include structured networking and deal-making sessions to facilitate partnerships and collaborations, alongside an exhibition showcasing innovative sports startups, brands, and talents.
Elite Sports and Tourism Development Limited (ESEM-GROUP), the organising agency, is dedicated to fostering excellence in sports through strategic partnerships, talent development, and investment facilitation, marking a significant step towards enhancing Nigeria’s position in the global sports arena.
