By Tayo Ogunseye
President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation, Dr. Ademola Are, has expressed confidence that the forthcoming National Grassroots Sports Development Summit 2026 will provide a lasting framework for repositioning grassroots sports development in Nigeria.
Are, who is also Chairman of the summit’s Accommodation and Logistics Sub-Committee, described the initiative as a historic milestone in the country’s sporting development, noting that it would provide a platform for stakeholders to develop a coordinated approach to talent identification and development.
The summit, scheduled for November 18–19, 2026, at the Banquet Hall, State House, Presidential Villa, Abuja, is the first national gathering of its kind being organised through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye.
Speaking ahead of the event, Are said the summit was coming at a critical period when the National Sports Commission (NSC) was placing renewed emphasis on grassroots sports as the foundation for sustainable sporting success.
“This summit is coming at a time when the management of the National Sports Commission is preaching grassroots sports development because that is the only way Nigeria can continue producing talents,” Are stated.
He pointed to the success of the NSC’s Team IJA initiative, which supports promising athletes discovered through the National Youth Games, as evidence of the benefits of structured grassroots sports programmes.
According to him, some of the athletes identified through the initiative are already making significant progress, competing favourably against senior athletes and bringing pride to the country.
“We have Team IJA athletes identified at the National Youth Games who are already making waves, competing with senior athletes and doing the nation proud,” he said.
Are also highlighted the forthcoming intermediate sports festival, observing that several emerging athletes expected to participate have developed their talents through grassroots competitions.
The rugby federation president commended Adeboye for championing the summit, describing the initiative as an important step towards building a sustainable foundation for Nigerian sports.
He expressed confidence that the gathering of experienced sports administrators, stakeholders and individuals contributing to grassroots development would produce recommendations capable of transforming the country’s sports development structure.
“Bringing together notable individuals from across the country who are contributing effectively to grassroots sports development is a step in the right direction.
“I can assure you that the document that will eventually be prepared and adopted will go a long way in repositioning grassroots sports development in Nigeria,” Are declared.
The summit, themed “Creating a New Pathway for Sustainable Grassroots Sports Development,” will focus on five critical pillars: Participation, Talent Development, Infrastructure, Sports Economy and International Pathways.
The ultimate objective is to develop practical recommendations and an actionable framework that will strengthen grassroots participation, improve talent discovery, promote sports infrastructure and create sustainable pathways for Nigerian athletes to excel at national and international levels.
