President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to officially declare open the Big Sports Dialogue 1.0 on Monday in Lagos, according to event organizers. The national dialogue seeks to address longstanding challenges in Nigeria’s sports sector and chart a roadmap for sustainable growth and improved performance across all sporting disciplines.
The high-level event is expected to bring together top stakeholders, policymakers, and industry experts to deliberate on strategies for transforming the country’s sports ecosystem. Discussions will focus on governance, funding, infrastructure, talent development, and Nigeria’s competitiveness on the global stage.
Key speakers at the dialogue include Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), and the NSC’s Director-General, Hon. Bukola Olopade. Other notable participants are Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, Director-General of the National Institute of Sports; sports marketing expert Mike Itemuagbor; basketball promoter Igoche Mark; veteran journalist Aderonke Ararobin; Arise TV anchor Rufai Oseni; and former Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) President Amaju Pinnick.
Additional speakers listed for the event include Rivers State Sports Commissioner Bar. Chris Green, NFF board member and celebrated sportscaster Aisha Falode, and analysts Steve Oshio, Abubakar Lawal, Bashire Are, and renowned journalist Dr. Reuben Abati.
Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Osaze Ebueku, described the Big Sports Dialogue 1.0 as a “call to action for all Nigerians to come together and shape the future of sports in the country.” He said the event is designed to foster collaboration across public and private sectors, ensuring that reform efforts lead to tangible outcomes.
Organizers noted that the dialogue will produce policy recommendations and strategic partnerships aimed at revitalizing key areas of Nigerian sports, including infrastructure renewal, improved governance frameworks, enhanced funding models, and stronger pathways for athlete development.
The event, they added, represents a significant step toward repositioning Nigerian sports for long-term success and global relevance.
