Nigeria Rugby Football Federation president Dr. Ademola Are believes the National Grassroots Sports Development Summit 2026 can establish a durable blueprint for reshaping community-level sport across Nigeria.
Are, who heads the summit’s Accommodation and Logistics Sub-Committee, confirmed that the gathering is scheduled for November 18 and 19, 2026, at the Banquet Hall of the State House in the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He said the event will be the country’s first nationwide summit dedicated to grassroots sport and is being organised through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye.
Looking ahead to the meeting, Are said it arrives as the National Sports Commission, or NSC, renews its focus on grassroots programmes as the base for long-term sporting success.
“The summit is taking place at a period when the National Sports Commission leadership is stressing grassroots sports development, because that remains the only way Nigeria can keep producing talent,” Are said.
He pointed to the NSC’s Team IJA programme, which backs talented competitors identified during the National Youth Games, as an example of what organised development structures can achieve.
“Team IJA athletes discovered at the National Youth Games are already performing strongly, competing against senior athletes and making the country proud,” he said.
Are also noted that several rising competitors due to feature at the upcoming intermediate sports festival have already gained from participation in grassroots events.
He praised Adeboye for driving the summit initiative, calling it an important investment in the future direction of Nigerian sport.
“Gathering prominent people from around the country who are making meaningful contributions to grassroots sports is the right move. I am confident that the document eventually produced and adopted will play a major role in repositioning grassroots sports development in Nigeria,” Are said.
The summit will carry the theme, “Creating a New Pathway for Sustainable Grassroots Sports Development,” and will examine five central areas: participation, talent development, infrastructure, the sports economy and international pathways.
Organisers expect the two-day event to deliver practical recommendations aimed at building sustainable sports development systems throughout the country.
