Sports

Speaker Calls on Lawmakers to Invest Constituency Funds in Sports Development

Published

3 months ago

July 23, 2025

…As House Committee on Sports Distributes Sporting Kits 360 constituency

Joel Ajayi

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has urged lawmakers to prioritize sports development by channeling their constituency allowances into grassroots sports initiatives, rather than projects that are often abandoned.

He made this call on Wednesday in Abuja during the official flag-off and distribution of sporting materials to members of the House Committee on Sports.

The initiative, a collaborative effort between the House Committee on Sports and the National Sports Commission, aims to promote grassroots participation and talent discovery across Nigeria’s 360 constituencies.

The materials distributed included football boots, jerseys, and training kits, intended to support youth development in primary and secondary schools as well as community-level sports.
Hon. Abbas stressed the importance of grassroots investment, describing it as the bedrock of national sports success.

“It is unacceptable that a country of over 230 million people continues to return from international competitions without medals, while smaller nations outperform us.”

“The only way to restore Nigeria’s sporting glory is to go back to the basics—back to grassroots and developmental sports.”

He encouraged lawmakers to rethink how constituency funds are spent: “Instead of building skills acquisition centres that may later be abandoned, let us invest in sports infrastructure and programmes at the community level. Sports has the power to engage our youth positively and unlock their potential.”

The Speaker also commended the House Committee on Sports, led by Hon. Kabir Amadu (Mai Palace), for what he described as outstanding performance in a short period.

“This is the first time I am seeing a Sports Committee truly living up to expectations. In just six months, they have set an example that other committees should emulate,” Abbas remarked. “I am elated to see such capable and committed members working for the good of the country.”

He concluded by pledging greater support from the House of Representatives for the continued growth and development of sports in Nigeria.

In his remarks, Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Hon. Kabir Amadu, emphasized that the kit distribution across all constituencies is a deliberate step toward strengthening grassroots sports.

“Every constituency will benefit. Members will take these materials back home to promote youth engagement and sporting talent at the grassroots level,” he said.

“We cannot continue to sit and complain about the decline in grassroots sports without taking action. As a House, we’ve chosen to lead by example and initiate meaningful programmes others can build on.”

Hon. Amadu also revealed plans to construct mini-stadiums across the country, which will complement the distribution of kits and further boost grassroots development.

“Our next project involves constructing mini-stadiums nationwide. This, combined with the kits, will create sustainable opportunities for community sports,” he concluded.

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Sports

“Aderonke Atoyebi Wins Big in Denmark, Inspires Global Recognition for Nigerian Women in Sports

Published

6 hours ago

November 3, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria’s own Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi has brought immense pride to the nation after being named the International Sport and Culture Association (ISCA) Role Model of the Year at a ceremony held in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The biennial ISCA Awards honour individuals and organizations that use sports and physical activity as tools for social change, inclusion, and empowerment across the globe. This year’s edition drew nominations from several countries, spotlighting outstanding figures who have transformed their communities through the power of sports.
Atoyebi’s unwavering commitment to gender equality and youth empowerment has made her a prominent voice in the sports-for-development space. Through her advocacy and leadership, she continues to demonstrate how sports can serve as a bridge for education, unity, and hope—especially among young women in Nigeria and beyond.
As part of the recognition, Atoyebi received a €3,000 cash prize along with the global visibility that accompanies the prestigious ISCA honour.
Speaking shortly after receiving the award, she expressed deep gratitude and excitement, dedicating the recognition to her team and everyone who has supported her journey.
> “This award means a lot to me. It’s a testament to the hard work my team and I have put in over the years,” Atoyebi said. “Being recognised on such an international stage proves that no effort toward positive change ever goes unnoticed. It motivates me to keep pushing boundaries and reaching more girls who need hope and opportunity.”

Atoyebi’s global recognition further strengthens Nigeria’s growing influence in the global dialogue around sports, development, and women’s empowerment. Her story continues to inspire a new generation of African women to believe that with passion, dedication, and purpose, they too can create lasting change.

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