The Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, Chief Sunday Dare, has assured that the current administration will reposition the Nigerian sports sector through grassroots development and structured investment in young athletes.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 9th National Youth Games (NYG) in Asaba, Delta State, Dare commended President Tinubu’s commitment to sports, describing his leadership as “bold and visionary.”
He lauded the President for entrusting sports administration to capable hands, citing the appointment of Shehu Dikko as Chairman of the National Sports Commission and Hon. Bukola Olopade as Director General.
> “These two people come with vast experience. They will work with others, including women, to develop our sports,” Dare said.
The former Minister of Youth and Sports Development emphasized that the Presidency’s recent recognition and reward for the Super Falcons and D’Tigress marked a new era of government support for athletes.
> “Nothing demonstrates the Presidency’s unprecedented love and support for sports like the way President Bola Tinubu and the First Lady, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, supported and rewarded the Super Falcons and D’Tigress. They will continue to support sports development at the grassroots. They will support all sports,” he added.
Highlighting the importance of the National Youth Games as a platform for discovering future champions, Dare urged increased investment in nurturing young talents.
> “The National Youth Games is the source of the talents the nation needs to achieve sporting glory. These young talents are identified, nurtured, and fed to our sporting federations to be trained to represent Nigeria in global sporting events. Like it’s often said, ‘the gold is in the child.’ From the young ages of 15 years and downwards, we must find and develop them,” he said.
The 9th edition of the National Youth Games, which runs from August 26 to September 6, 2025, features 37 sporting events with participants from 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Dare reiterated that President Tinubu’s administration is determined to transform grassroots sports into a tool for national unity, youth empowerment, and global competitiveness.
