By Aderonke Ojo
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has continued its nationwide Youth Athletes Appreciation Tour, recognising outstanding young athletes in Abuja and Asaba, bringing the total number of honourees so far to 11.
The Abuja leg of the tour took place on Wednesday at Nigerian Tulip International College.
In attendance were the Chairman of the NSC, Shehu Dikko, Director-General Bukola Olopade, and former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, now Presidential Spokesman, Sunday Dare.
Speaking at the event, Sunday Dare expressed satisfaction with the progress being made in youth sports development.
“I’m excited because what is being done aligns with the universal law of sowing identify promising stars early, nurture them, and the harvest will come. We have continued to partner with the private sector, and the seeds we sowed four years ago are what we are harvesting today.
“ Credit must go to the Chairman and Director-General of the National Sports Commission for their insight and commitment to sustaining this vision,” he said.
NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko reaffirmed that youth and grassroots sports development remain central to the Commission’s mandate.
“Youth and grassroots development are at the core of what we do. We want to raise the standards of school sports and ensure that institutions at all levels primary, secondary and universities receive the necessary support to discover and nurture athletes in collaboration with the National Sports Commission,” Dikko stated.
Director-General Bukola Olopade emphasised that the Commission is strengthening partnerships between schools and the broader sports ecosystem while prioritising athlete welfare.
“We will continue to encourage strong relationships between schools and sports. President Bola Ahmed Tinubuhas made it clear that Nigerian athletes must never feel abandoned or neglected, and that is the commitment of this Commission,” Olopade said.
Sunday Dare had earlier signed a landmark partnership with Nigerian Tulip International College during his tenure as Sports Minister, a collaboration that continues to support youth sports development.
Among the athletes honoured were Rosemary Chigozie Nwankwo and Miracle Oluebube Ezechukwu, two exceptional junior athletes who first emerged through the invited junior athletes initiative. Both athletes went on to represent Nigeria at the CAA African U18/U20 Athletics Championships, where they won gold medals.
They also secured additional medals at the African Youth Games in Angola and the African School Games in Algeria.
Other beneficiaries included taekwondo athletes Crown Umeh and Unique Umeh, who received ₦1 million each in recognition of their performances. Unique Umeh had earlier won a bronze medal at the maiden African School Games in Algeria.
In athletics, Andrew Miracle Yemi, an African junior standout, received ₦2 million in appreciation of his achievements. Adaeze Precious was honoured with ₦1 million, while Rosemary Chigozie Nwankwo received ₦3 million for her outstanding performances.
Miracle Ezechukwu, the West African and Nigerian champion, was also recognised with a ₦3 million reward for his remarkable accomplishments.
Recognition Event in Asaba
Simultaneously, another NSC delegation held a recognition ceremony in Asaba, Delta State. The team was led by the Director of Grassroots Development, Amaka Ashiofu, alongside the Director of FEADS, Mbora Ikana.
During the event, promising athletes and medal winners Udoh David and Gowon Oghenerunor were also honoured.
The Youth Appreciation Tour will continue in Uyo on Thursday, where the Commission is scheduled to honour more junior sports stars as part of its commitment to grassroots sports development.
The NSC Youth Appreciation Tour forms part of the Commission’s broader strategy to support and reward emerging talents while strengthening the foundation of Nigerian sports through structured grassroots development.
