Over 100 young athletes and grassroots coaches converged on Gateway International, Sagamu, on Monday as the National Institute for Sports (NIS), in partnership with Senator Solomon Adeola (Yayi), representing Ogun West, hosted a one-day training and coaching clinic aimed at boosting grassroots sports development in Ogun State.
The seminar, themed “Training and Coaching Clinic in Soccer for Grassroots Sports Development in Ogun State,” attracted students from various schools and sports academies alongside their coaches.
Leading the NIS delegation was its Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Philip Shaibu, who described the initiative as a powerful tool to redirect youths toward productive and prosperous futures.
In his welcome address, Shaibu commended Senator Adeola for what he termed “selfless commitment to youth development through sports.”
“Engaging our youths through sports is one of the most effective ways to put them on the right path to greatness,” Shaibu said. “Sports today is far beyond entertainment — it is a global business worth over 60 billion US dollars. Nigeria has the talent to tap into this enormous opportunity.”
He revealed that many participants expressed ambitions of playing professional basketball in the United States and football in elite European leagues such as 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 emphasised 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