The Director General of the National Sports Commission
(NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has hailed a transformative intervention by
philanthropist and business leader Azeez Amida, Chairman, Showtime Flag
Flag Football League 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.
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