Organizers of The Big Sports Dialogue 1.0: Reshaping Nigeria’s Sports Ecosystem have officially unveiled plans for the landmark event, scheduled to hold on November 24, 2025, in Lagos. The dialogue aims to reposition Nigeria’s sports industry as a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and national unity.
A Movement to Reimagine Nigerian Sports
Addressing journalists at the press conference, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Osaze Ebueku, emphasized the transformative potential of the initiative.
“Big Dialogue 1.0 is not just a conference, it’s a movement. Backed by the National Sports Commission (NSC) and RHINSE (Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy), we unite to transform sports into an engine for economic growth, job creation, and national pride,” Ebueku said.
He noted that Nigeria’s sports sector remains underutilized, contributing only 0.31% and 0.33% to GDP in 2020 and 2021 respectively, despite the nation’s global sporting achievements.
Key Goals of Big Sports Dialogue 1.0
The dialogue is designed to produce actionable outcomes, including:
- Drafting a National Sports Blueprint to address infrastructure gaps, funding, and governance reforms.
- Promoting private sector and innovation partnerships to enhance grassroots development.
- Prioritizing athlete welfare and post-career support.
- Leveraging media strategies to reshape the narrative around Nigerian sports, highlighting achievements and tackling challenges.
High-Profile Speakers Expected
The event will feature prominent sports leaders and policymakers, including:
- NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko
- NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade
- Former NFF President Amaju Pinnick
- Former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola
- Ace Journalist Rufai Oseni
Other organizers at the launch included Jerome Obuninta, Sylvanus Ofekun, and Aron Akerejola.
Focus on School Sports and Talent Development
A major highlight of the dialogue will be the revitalization of school sports, with partnerships planned for NUGA games and other institutional leagues. Organizers also plan to integrate technology and data tracking systems to monitor athletes’ growth from school level to professional ranks, providing valuable insights for coaching, investment, and policymaking.
These efforts aim to strengthen Nigeria’s sports talent pipeline, drive economic transformation, and promote national pride.
Event Significance
Big Sports Dialogue 1.0 is positioned as a defining moment for Nigeria’s sports sector, bringing together diverse stakeholders to create sustainable strategies for growth. By combining policy, innovation, and media, the initiative seeks to reshape Nigeria’s sports ecosystem for the 21st century.
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