In a decisive move to restore Nigeria’s sporting legacy and empower youth through inclusive development, the House Committee on Sports has officially launched a nationwide distribution of sporting kits and equipment across all 360 federal constituencies.

The flag-off ceremony, held Wednesday at the National Assembly, marked the commencement of a transformative initiative aimed at reviving grassroots sports, promoting youth participation, and discovering hidden talent across the country.

Spearheaded by the House Committee on Sports in partnership with the National Sports Commission, the program includes the distribution of football boots, jerseys, and training gear to local communities, schools, and grassroots organizations nationwide.

Speaker Tajudeen Abbas Calls for Investment in Youth and Community Sports

Delivering the keynote address, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, urged lawmakers to prioritize youth and sports development over dormant infrastructure projects that often fail to serve their purpose.

“It is unacceptable that a country of over 230 million people returns from global competitions without medals, while smaller nations triumph,” said Speaker Abbas. 

“To reclaim our place in world sports, we must rebuild from the grassroots.”

He expressed concern over underutilized skill acquisition centers scattered across the country and called on legislators to redirect their constituency projects towards youth-focused, community-driven sports infrastructure.

 “This is the first time I have seen the Sports Committee exceed expectations within such a short period,” he added. 

“Their dedication should serve as a benchmark for other committees.”

Committee Chairman Reaffirms Long-Term Vision

Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Hon. Kabiru Amadu (Mai Palace), representing Gusau/Tsafe Federal Constituency, reiterated the House’s commitment to revitalizing grassroots sports as a foundation for sustainable national development.

 “This is more than a symbolic gesture. It’s a strategic and inclusive step toward reigniting sports culture and nurturing future champions from every corner of Nigeria,” Amadu stated.

He emphasized that every constituency will receive a fair share of the equipment and charged fellow lawmakers with the responsibility of equitable and impactful distribution within their communities.

Next Phase: Mini-Stadium Construction

Hon. Amadu also revealed that the next phase of the committee’s strategy would involve the construction of mini-stadiums across Nigeria, offering long-term infrastructure to support grassroots training, local leagues, and youth competitions.

The House Committee on Sports continues to position itself as a driving force in Nigeria’s sports policy, youth empowerment, and national development.