The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, has congratulated Nigerians on the country’s 66th Independence anniversary, calling for renewed commitment to nation-building and greater investment in young people through grassroots sports.

Adeboye said Nigeria’s Independence anniversary should provide an opportunity not only to celebrate the country’s journey but also to reflect on the responsibility of every citizen and institution to contribute towards building a stronger nation.

He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda places significant emphasis on youth opportunities and grassroots inclusion, while the President has also directed reforms aimed at strengthening development pathways and accountability within Nigerian football.

According to Adeboye, sports remains one of Nigeria’s strongest instruments for national unity, youth empowerment and international recognition, making grassroots development particularly important to the country’s future.

“As Nigeria celebrates 66 years of Independence, we must remember that nation-building is a collective responsibility. Everyone has a role to play, and from our own responsibility in grassroots sports development, we must continue creating opportunities that allow young Nigerians to discover their talents, develop their potential and contribute positively to the country,” Adeboye said.

The Presidential aide said the administration’s renewed attention to sports provides an opportunity to establish sustainable structures capable of identifying and developing talents from communities and schools across the federation.

President Tinubu has previously described young Nigerians as an important driver of the country’s future, identifying sports among the sectors through which his administration is seeking to expand opportunities for them.

Adeboye said Nigeria’s sporting history demonstrates how athletes from modest backgrounds can become national heroes when provided with the right opportunities.

“Every champion begins somewhere. Many of the athletes who have carried our flag proudly around the world started from schools, streets and community competitions. Our responsibility is to ensure that the next generation has an even clearer pathway from the grassroots to the podium,” he said.

He added that sports should increasingly be viewed beyond medals and trophies, stressing its capacity to create employment, promote discipline, strengthen communities and provide productive opportunities for Nigeria’s youthful population.

Adeboye also called for greater collaboration among federal and state governments, local councils, schools, sporting federations, communities and the private sector in developing facilities and competitions at the grassroots.

He said the Office of the SSA would continue working towards initiatives capable of taking sporting opportunities closer to young Nigerians and strengthening talent discovery nationwide.

“At 66, our message is one of hope, unity and responsibility,” Adeboye said. “We have challenges, but we also have extraordinary human potential. Through sports, we can unite our people, empower our youth and build champions who will carry Nigeria’s flag with pride.”

He wished President Tinubu, Nigerian athletes, sports stakeholders and citizens at home and in the diaspora a peaceful 66th Independence anniversary, urging Nigerians to continue believing in the possibilities of the country.