Over 100 young athletes and grassroots coaches gathered at Gateway International, Sagamu, on Monday for a one-day training and coaching clinic organised by the National Institute for Sports (NIS) in partnership with Senator Solomon Adeola, who represents Ogun West.
The programme, themed “Training and Coaching Clinic in Soccer for Grassroots Sports Development in Ogun State,” drew participants from secondary schools and sports academies across the state, alongside their coaches.
The NIS delegation was led by its Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Philip Shaibu, who described the initiative as a strategic intervention to channel young people toward productive careers through structured sports development.
In his address, Shaibu praised Senator Adeola for what he described as a sustained commitment to youth empowerment through sports.
“Engaging young people through sports remains one of the most effective pathways to discipline, opportunity and long-term success,” he said. “Sports has evolved into a global industry valued at over $60 billion annually, and Nigeria possesses the talent base to compete effectively within that ecosystem.”
He noted that several participants expressed aspirations of playing professional basketball in the United States and football in top European leagues, including the English Premier League, La Liga and Serie A.
“That collaboration between leadership and structured training will help us produce champions,” he added. “What Senator Adeola is doing today may look like a drop of water, but it will surely become a full bucket.”
Shaibu further praised the senator’s youth-focused vision, noting that similar programmes have been held across the South-West and other parts of Nigeria.
Representing Senator Adeola at the event, Chief Segun Ojolowo-Ojuko explained that the Ogun West lawmaker had intended to attend but was unavoidably engaged in official duties in Abuja.
He emphasized that the Sagamu clinic was part of a broader youth empowerment strategy.
“This is not the first coaching clinic. Similar programmes have been held in Ibadan and Lagos, and more are planned across Ogun State,” Ojolowo-Ojuko said.
“Senator Yayi is a deep lover of youths. He wants them to develop independent minds and excel in their chosen careers.”
He also clarified why the programme was held outside Ogun West Senatorial District.
“Yayi extends development beyond Ogun West not because of personal aspirations, but because he believes in fairness, inclusion and all-inclusive development.”
Speaking on behalf of participating coaches, Ogun State basketball chief coach, Jonathan Fagbemi, described the initiative as timely and impactful.
“Only leaders like Yayi give hope for a better tomorrow for our youths and sports in Nigeria,” Fagbemi said.
Mrs. Kehinde Oladesu, a teacher who accompanied students from Ansar Ud Deen Comprehensive College, Ota, also expressed appreciation.
“This programme has shown that school children can truly be part of structured grassroots sports development,” she said.
The seminar concluded with the distribution of complete football and basketball kits to the over 100 participating youths. Coaches also received balls.
Top NIS officials present included Dr. Mike Majoroh (Consultant), Dr. Joy Madak (Acting Head of Coaching), Coach Iorsue Jeremiah Kuhwa (Football), Coach Lidah Taye Mary (Basketball), and Coach Adamu Bello (Fitness Coach), among others.
As grassroots sports increasingly becomes central to youth empowerment conversations in Ogun State, Monday’s clinic in Sagamu signals what stakeholders describe as a sustained investment in the next generation of Nigerian athletes.