The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, obtained an Outstanding Recognition Award from the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Oyo State Chapter, following an inspiring lecture delivered on his behalf throughout the affiliation’s particular programme in Ibadan.
The occasion, held on Tuesday, November 3, at the NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, fashioned a part of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration and 2026 Press Week.
Adeboye was represented by Mr. Betiku Seun Soji, Chief Operating Officer of Smart City Football Club, who delivered the Presidential aide’s deal with to an enthusiastic viewers of journalists, sports activities directors and different distinguished company.
The event was attended by notable personalities, together with former Nigerian worldwide Dr. Felix Owolabi, MON, Hon. Gbenga Adewusi (Arole), and His Royal Majesty, Oba James Odeniran, the Alakinyele of Akinyele, alongside outstanding journalists and sports activities stakeholders.
The lecture, which attracted a standing ovation, emphasised the important position of sports activities journalism in discovering grassroots abilities, selling accountability and shaping the way forward for Nigerian sports activities.
Speaking via his consultant, Adeboye challenged sports activities journalists to look past established stars and provides larger consideration to younger athletes rising from faculties, communities and rural areas.
“A young athlete in a remote community deserves recognition just as much as an established international star. The story of a schoolgirl winning her first athletics medal today could become the story of an Olympic champion tomorrow,” the deal with said.
He additional urged journalists to embrace accountable reporting, innovation and constructive engagement with sporting establishments whereas advocating larger alternatives for girls and younger athletes.
The SSA additionally highlighted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s dedication to sports activities improvement, stressing the significance of collaboration between authorities, the media and personal stakeholders.
He used the event to attract consideration to the forthcoming National Grassroots Sports Development Summit, scheduled for November 18–19, 2026, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Following the lecture, the organisers offered Adeboye with an *Outstanding Recognition Award* in appreciation of his contributions to grassroots sports activities improvement.
The recognition additional underscored the rising significance of collaboration between sports activities directors and journalists in constructing a sustainable sporting future for Nigeria.
