Zaria, Kaduna State — A leading sports consultant, Godspower A. Odedede, has called on Nigerian youths to embrace entrepreneurship within the sports sector as a pathway to economic empowerment and national development.
Odedede made this call while speaking at the 3rd Career Lecture organized by the Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, Faculty of Education, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. The event, held at Yusuf Bala Usman Hall, Main Campus, Samaru, focused on the theme: “Human Kinetics and Health Education Profession in Nigeria.”

Declaring the lecture open, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, emphasized the institution’s commitment to advancing the discipline. He disclosed that efforts are on top gear to upgrade the Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education into a full-fledged faculty, attributing the initiative to the policy direction and support of the Federal Ministry of Education aimed at strengthening sports and related disciplines in Nigerian universities.

In his presentation, Odedede provided deep insights into the economic potential of the sports industry, noting that although Nigeria has a large youth population and strong passion for sports, the sector contributes minimally to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product.

 He described the sports industry as a multi-billion-dollar global enterprise with vast untapped opportunities in Nigeria.
He identified key areas for entrepreneurial engagement, including sports event management, sports academies, sports equipment business, fitness and wellness centres, and sports media platforms.

 He also highlighted opportunities in dance, recreation, and sports tourism, stressing that these sectors are expanding rapidly due to increasing urbanization and health awareness.
“The sports industry is no longer just about participation; it is about innovation, business, and job creation,” Odedede stated, urging students to develop relevant skills in business management, branding, and digital marketing.

Earlier in her keynote address, Dr. Hadiza Asabe Mohammed, Honourable Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education in Niger State, decried the declining attention given to physical and health education in Nigerian schools. She called for urgent reforms, improved funding, and better policy implementation to restore the subject’s relevance in the education system.
Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, commended the organizers and encouraged students to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the sports sector through discipline and professionalism.

The Special Guest of Honour, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, Commander-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, was represented by the Kaduna State Commandant, who underscored the importance of sports in youth engagement and national unity.
In his remarks, the Head of Department, Dr. S. U. Omeiza, noted that the lecture was designed to expose students to diverse career paths and practical opportunities within the field.

Highlight of the event was the presentation of Awards of Excellence to distinguished personalities, including Odedede, Prof. Bola Florence Adeyanju, National President of NAPHER-SD, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, Dr. Hadiza Asabe Mohammed, and several other notable contributors in recognition of their outstanding impact on sports development, education, and youth empowerment in Nigeria.

The event attracted students, academics, and stakeholders who described the lecture as insightful and timely, particularly in redefining the future of human kinetics and health education in Nigeria.