The organizers of The Big Sports Dialogue 1.0: Reshaping Nigeria’s Sports Ecosystem have officially unveiled plans for the landmark event, which is scheduled to hold on November 24, 2025, in Lagos.
Addressing journalists at a press conference, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Osaze Ebueku, emphasized the urgent need to reposition Nigeria’s sports industry as a major contributor to economic development, employment generation, and national unity.
“On November 24, 2025, Lagos will host the most consequential gathering of sports leaders, policymakers, investors, and media voices in Nigeria’s history. 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 stated.
He drew attention to Nigeria’s immense but underutilized sports potential, saying, “Nigeria’s sports potential is undeniable. From the roar of the Super Eagles to the triumphs of our athletes on the global stage, we have talent, passion, and resilience. Yet, our contribution to the GDP 0.33% in 2021, 0.31% in 2020 tells a story of untapped promise. But today, we break the cycle.”
According to the organizers, the dialogue will seek to produce tangible outcomes, including the drafting of a National Sports Blueprint to address infrastructure gaps, funding, and governance reform. It will also foster collaboration between the private sector and innovators to boost grassroots development, prioritize athlete welfare and post-career support, and drive media efforts to reshape the narrative around Nigerian sports by celebrating achievements and addressing challenges.
High-profile speakers expected at the event include NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko, NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade, former NFF President Amaju Pinnick, former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, and ace journalist Rufai Oseni, among others.
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Other organizers present at the launch included Jerome Obuninta, sports journalist Sylvanus Ofekun, and sports caster Aron Akerejola.
Meanwhile, the organisers also hinted that a major focus on the dialogue is the revitalization of school sports, including partnerships with organizations such as NUGA games and other institutional leagues, to strengthen the talent pipeline from campuses to the national stage.
There are also plan to integrate technology and data systems to track athletes’ growth from school level to professional ranks, providing valuable insights for coaching, investment, and policymaking. Combined with strategic media engagement to inspire and inform, these efforts are designed to position sports as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic and social transformation.
The Big Sports Dialogue 1.0 is expected to serve as a defining moment for Nigeria’s sports sector, bringing together diverse voices to reshape the nation’s sports ecosystem for sustainable growth and national pride.