By Gabriel Ameh
The National Institute for Sports (NIS) has intensified its grassroots sports development campaign in Ogun State, engaging over 100 young athletes and coaches in a one-day intensive training and coaching clinic in Sagamu.
The programme, held at Gateway International and themed “Training and Coaching Clinic in Soccer for Grassroots Sports Development in Ogun State,” was organised in partnership with Solomon Adeola, who represents Ogun West Senatorial District.
Leading the NIS delegation was its Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Philip Shaibu, who described the initiative as a strategic intervention aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Shaibu said the clinic reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to youth empowerment through structured sports development.
“This programme is a practical implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he stated. “Mr. President has emphasised the need to empower and engage Nigerian youths. Sports remains one of the strongest platforms to achieve that objective.”
He noted that beyond recreation, sports has evolved into a multi-billion-dollar global industry, offering career and wealth-creation opportunities for young Nigerians if properly harnessed.
Participants, drawn from various schools and sports academies across Ogun State, underwent technical sessions aimed at strengthening coaching capacity and nurturing emerging talents.
Shaibu revealed that many of the young athletes expressed aspirations of playing professional basketball in the United States and football in elite European leagues. He stressed that sustained collaboration between visionary leadership and structured training would be critical in producing future champions.
“What we are witnessing today may appear small, but it represents the foundation for greater achievements,” he added.
Representing Senator Adeola at the event, Chief Segun Ojolowo-Ojuko said the lawmaker, though engaged in official duties in Abuja, remains committed to youth-focused initiatives across Ogun State.
According to him, the Sagamu clinic forms part of a broader empowerment strategy that has seen similar programmes held in Ibadan and Lagos, with plans to expand further within the state.
“Senator Yayi is deeply committed to youth development and believes young people must be equipped to excel independently in their chosen careers,” Ojolowo-Ojuko said, adding that the initiative was extended beyond Ogun West in the spirit of inclusiveness and balanced development.
Speaking on behalf of participating coaches, Ogun State Basketball Chief Coach Jonathan Fagbemi described the clinic as timely and impactful, noting that sustained investment in grassroots sports is key to building a stronger national sports structure.
Mrs. Kehinde Oladesu of Ansar Ud Deen Comprehensive College, Ota, who accompanied students to the programme, commended the organisers for integrating schoolchildren into structured sports development initiatives.
The seminar concluded with the distribution of complete football and basketball kits to participating youths, while coaches received training balls to support continued practice in their schools and academies.
Other NIS officials present included Dr. Mike Majoroh (Consultant), Dr. Joy Maiyaki (Acting Head of Coaching), Coach Iorsue Jeremiah Kuhwa (Football), Coach Lidah Taye Mary (Basketball), and Coach Adamu Bello (Fitness Coach).
