The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, has emphasized that recognition in sports and public service should always be based on genuine impact and meaningful contributions, rather than publicity or noise.
Adeboye made this known while chairing the Newstap/SWAN 5-Star Awards ceremony, where several distinguished personalities were honoured for their remarkable contributions to sports development and youth empowerment in Nigeria.
Among the awardees recognised at the ceremony were the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Duoye Diri, the Director General/CEO of the National Institute for Sports, Comrade Philip Shaibu, the Managing Director/CEO of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Mrs. Yetunde Olopade, and the Proprietor of Yacateco Boxing Promotions, Omolei Imadu, alongside other notable stakeholders in the Nigerian sports industry.
Speaking during the ceremony, the SSA noted that the award represents a celebration of individuals whose work has created lasting impact across communities, particularly from the grassroots level.
“This award is not about noise making. It is about impact. Everyone going home with this award today truly deserves it because they have made real impact in the lives of individuals — from the grassroots level to the highest levels of achievement in life,” Adeboye stated.
He added that sports development requires dedication, discipline, and visionary leadership from individuals who are committed to building opportunities for young talents across the country.
The SSA particularly highlighted the role played by private sector stakeholders and sports administrators in expanding the reach of sports development in Nigeria through initiatives that promote youth participation, talent discovery, and sports tourism.
For instance, through the leadership of Mrs. Yetunde Olopade, Nilayo Sports Management Limited has helped position Nigeria among the leading destinations for international road races with events such as the Gold Label Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, the Premium Trust Bank Abuja City Half Marathon, and the Yenagoa City International 10KM Race.
Adeboye stressed that celebrating individuals who have made meaningful contributions to sports sends a strong message to young Nigerians that commitment, discipline, and hard work will always be recognised.
He further reiterated that the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, remains committed to strengthening sports development structures across the country, particularly at the grassroots level where future champions are discovered and nurtured.
The Newstap/SWAN 5-Star Awards ceremony brought together sports administrators, journalists, athletes, and stakeholders who gathered to celebrate individuals whose dedication continues to positively shape Nigeria’s sports ecosystem and inspire the next generation of champions.
