Twelve Nigerian state governors are set to participate in a Governors’ Round Table during the National Grassroots Sports Development Summit 2026, scheduled for November 18 and 19 at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Held under the theme “Sub-National Leadership in Grassroots Sports Implementation,” the discussion will address how grassroots sports can move beyond policy commitments and become effective programmes in local communities.
Expected participants include AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, Hope Uzodimma of Imo, Douye Diri of Bayelsa, Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Babagana Zulum of Borno, Hyacinth Alia of Benue, Alex Otti of Abia, Peter Mbah of Enugu, Monday Okpebholo of Edo and Uba Sani of Kaduna.
Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Grassroots Sports Development, said state administrations are crucial to establishing a successful nationwide talent pathway. Organisers believe federal action alone cannot deliver lasting sporting success, with thousands of young athletes requiring access to facilities, competitions and development opportunities in their respective states.
Key topics for the round table include restoring school sports, developing community-level facilities, creating funding models, encouraging public-private partnerships and improving cooperation between state and local authorities. Participants will also consider ways for states to establish measurable sports initiatives that can continue despite political transitions.
The wider summit carries the theme “Creating a New Pathway for Sustainable Grassroots Sports Development” and is expected to generate practical proposals aimed at widening access to sport across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas. The Nigerian Economic Summit Group, NESG, will serve as technical partner.
