The Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports, Prince Anthony Adeyinka Adeboye, has partnered with the Sports Africa Investment Summit (SAIS2025) to advance sports infrastructure investment and promote mass participation in grassroots sports. This collaboration underscores the Nigerian government’s commitment to fostering a thriving sports ecosystem that supports talent discovery, community engagement, and economic development.
This marks the first time the Presidency has appointed a Senior Special Assistant on Grassroots Sports, highlighting the growing recognition of sports as a key driver of national development. Prince Adeboye will be a key speaker at SAIS2025, where he will participate in a panel discussion titled “Developing a Sustainable and Inclusive Sports Sector in an Environment of Safety, Security, and Integrity.”
Investing in Grassroots Sports Infrastructure
For grassroots sports to reach their full potential, investment in accessible and high-quality sports infrastructure is essential. Without the necessary facilities, many young athletes struggle to develop their skills and compete at higher levels.
At SAIS2025, Prince Adeboye will emphasize the importance of:
- Expanding access to shared sports facilities to encourage greater participation.
- Supporting investments that make sports more inclusive across all age groups.
- Strengthening the sports economy by increasing demand for sports goods and services.
Spaces 4 Sports Initiative
A key highlight of Prince Adeboye’s participation will be a special session on Spaces 4 Sports, an initiative led by Sport Nigeria LTD aimed at increasing the availability of shared sports facilities within communities. This program seeks to:
- Provide more accessible venues for athletes at all skill levels.
- Encourage mass participation in sports.
- Develop homegrown talent by offering better training environments.
- Stimulate economic growth within the sports sector by fostering greater demand for sports-related services.
The Role of Grassroots Sports in National Development
Prince Adeboye emphasized the broader significance of grassroots sports, not only for athletic development but also for strengthening communities and fostering national unity.
“Grassroots sports represent the foundation of our nation’s sporting future. Investing in inclusive and accessible facilities is not just about playing the game; it is about fostering talent, strengthening communities, and fueling the economic potential of sports. SAIS2025 provides a vital platform to drive these conversations and unlock new opportunities for grassroots sports development in Nigeria and across Africa,” he stated.
SAIS2025: A Platform for Sports Development
The Sports Africa Investment Summit 2025 will gather policymakers, investors, and industry leaders to discuss strategies for making sports a key part of Nigeria’s economic diversification efforts. Topics will include:
- Sustainable investment models for sports infrastructure.
- The role of government and private sector partnerships in driving sports development.
- Opportunities for emerging athletes through improved facilities and training programs.
Event Details
- Dates: February 17–18, 2025
- Venue: Lagos Continental Hotel, Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos
- Time: 9:00 AM Daily
How to Register
- Visit www.SportNigeria.ng/SAIS for tickets and registration.
- Email sais@sportnigeria.ng for inquiries.
- Contact 0706 203 8705 (Call/WhatsApp) for more information.
With grassroots sports playing a vital role in Nigeria’s sporting future, SAIS2025 presents a significant opportunity to drive discussions around infrastructure, inclusion, and sustainable development. Prince Adeboye’s participation in the summit will help shape policies and investments that will benefit aspiring athletes and communities for years to come.
