The Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has commenced an appreciation tour of secondary schools to honour Nigeria’s brightest young athletes.
In a statement, his media aide, Kola Daniel, said the tour included a visit to the schools of standout swimmers.
“The young swimmers are Aidan Dumuije-Abili and Tofunmi Ibidapo of Grange School. The reward aligns with our new strategy to recognise talents early,” he said.
“It also promotes integrity in age-grade sports and seeks to change the narrative around youth development in Nigeria.”
“The visit follows Team Nigeria’s commanding outing at the 2025 Africa Zone 2 Swimming Championship, where several continental records were broken,” he added.
Olopade said the initiative reflected the leadership example of President Bola Tinubu.
“We are emulating the President’s leadership. When you serve this country well, irrespective of your field, a grateful nation will always say thank you,” Olopade stated. “Last year was remarkable for grassroots sports.”
“We discovered and nurtured young talents across different disciplines. That progress gives us confidence about 2028. Even this year’s Commonwealth Games look promising because of these emerging athletes.”
“It is time we began appreciating our budding talents. Such encouragement will inspire millions of young Nigerians using sport as a development tool. Grassroots sport must remain our priority. We are fully committed to its development,” he said.
14-year-old Dumuije-Abili emerged the championship’s standout performer, setting five new Africa Zone 2 records. He won six gold medals, one silver and one bronze, and was named Most Valuable Junior Athlete of the tournament.
Ibidapo also excelled, winning gold, silver and bronze medals in individual and relay events, further cementing Nigeria’s dominance. Olopade presented Dumuije-Abili and Ibidapo with ₦3 million and ₦2 million, respectively, in recognition of their achievements.
The DG will next visit Abeokuta as more young athletes receive recognition for their exceptional abilities.
