The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has hailed a transformative intervention by philanthropist and business leader Azeez Amida, who has pledged a life-changing support package for the most outstanding youngest athlete of the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) contingent at the 22nd National Sports Festival in Abeokuta.
The package includes a university-level educational scholarship, guaranteed employment with one of Nigeria’s top three companies, and a ₦5 million educational and sports grant, aimed at propelling the athlete’s journey from grassroots to global sporting glory.
The official presentation of the package is scheduled for June 1st, 2025, during the finale of a national sports event in Lagos.
An elated Hon. Olopade described the gesture as “a bold endorsement of the IJA vision” and a powerful example of what private-public collaboration can achieve in repositioning Nigerian sports.
“What Mr. Azeez Amida has done is truly commendable. This is exactly the kind of support we envisioned when we created the IJA initiative. It’s not just about medals—it’s about shaping lives, giving our young athletes a real future through education and opportunity,” said Olopade.
“We’ve started a journey to bridge grassroots talent with elite pathways, and this type of commitment shows we are on the right track. I call on other well-meaning Nigerians and organizations to step forward and support the Federal Government’s bold vision for sports development.”
The IJA concept, introduced by the NSC under Olopade’s leadership, features a special contingent of under-17 champions from the National Youth Games competing as a 38th “state” at the National Sports Festival. The initiative aims to fast-track their exposure to elite competition and long-term athlete development.
Among the breakout stars of the IJA is 13-year-old Tofumi Ibidapo, a student of The Grange School, Lagos, who made history by delivering Oyo State’s first swimming medal in seven years. Also shining is 15-year-old Aidan Dumuje Abili, who has so far won two silver and one bronze medal in swimming.
In response to the development, Azeez Amida expressed his admiration for the athletes and the NSC’s efforts.
“These young athletes are the future of Nigeria. What the NSC has started through IJA is not just inspiring—it’s visionary. I’m proud to support it in any way I can, and I hope this is just the beginning of many more private-sector partnerships to come.”
The initiative is already being described as a game-changer, turning the National Sports Festival into more than just a competition—but a platform of real opportunity for Nigeria’s next generation of champions.
