Presidency Invites Okpebholo’s Special Adviser For Abuja Grassroots Sports Summit
The Special Adviser on Grassroots Sports Mobilization to the Edo State Governor, Hon Frank Ilaboya, is among top sports personalities invited for the forthcoming National Summit on grassroots sports development in Nigeria.
The erudite sports administrator and former Chairman of Edo State Football Association, received his invitation from the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Prince Adebayo Adeboye few days ago.
The high-profile summit is scheduled to hold on November 18–19, 2026, at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
According to Prince Adeboye, Hon Ilaboya’s invitation is as a result of his wealth of experience and invaluable contributions to sports development in Nigeria.
The accomplished Sports Administrator and Grassroots Sports Mobilizer, brings decades of experience to the sector. His distinguished career includes serving as Chairman of Owan West Local Government Council, Chairman of the Edo State Football Association, immediate past Executive Director of the Edo State Sports Commission, and former Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Lagos State Chapter.
His invitation to the national summit underscores the importance of his experience and contributions to grassroots sports development, particularly in talent discovery, youth engagement and the promotion of sporting opportunities at the community level.
The summit is expected to bring together key stakeholders from the Federal, State and Local Governments, sports institutions, schools, academies, private organisations and development partners to deliberate on policies, investment, talent development and sustainable strategies for strengthening grassroots sports across Nigeria.
Hon. Ilaboya’s participation is expected to provide an opportunity to share his wealth of experience and contribute to meaningful discussions and practical recommendations that will shape the future of grassroots sports development in the country.
His invitation is a proud moment for Edo State and another opportunity to project the state’s commitment to grassroots sports development at the national stage.
Reacting to the invitation, Hon Ilaboya has this to say: “This is a great moment for me and the people of Edo State to be invited for such a prestigious sporting summit, one that is so dear to the heart of our amiable Governor, His Excellency Sen Monday Okpebholo, whose passion for youth development is second to none.
“This summit wouldn’t have come at a better time when the nation is trying to reset sports at various levels.
“For us in Edo State, it’s going to be a veritable platform to share ideas with other like minds on talents discovery strategies at the grassroots level,” Hon Ilaboya added.
It would be recalled that Governor Monday Okpebholo last month created the office of Special Adviser on Grassroots Mobilization to further deepen his vision to use sports to positively engage the youths in the State.
