By Tolulope Oguntimehin 

At first, I only saw pictures from Lagos—students smiling and holding dummy cheques during the Youth Appreciation Tour organised by the National Sports Commission. I didn’t fully grasp the scale of what Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade were trying to achieve until I witnessed the programme in Abuja at Nigeria Tulip International School.

When I first received the invitation to cover the event, I thought it was just another routine assignment. In fact, some media organisations initially pulled out, describing it as “LTP”—let them pay—because the event involved a private school. But as the programme unfolded, the significance of the initiative became clear.

Former Minister of Youth and Sports Sunday Dare spoke about the commitment of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to youth and sports development, highlighting the increased attention given to sports in the national budget. Then came the vision from Shehu Dikko, who explained how the tour is designed to galvanise the sports ecosystem and inspire young athletes to remain committed to the Nigerian dream.

Bukola Olopade spoke with passion and eloquence, the fire in his eyes reflecting a man unafraid to venture where others might hesitate. He noted that the initiative has been possible because Bola Ahmed Tinubu has created a conducive environment for businesses to thrive and for foreign investment to come in. According to him, it is important to leverage that environment to ensure the programme continues without interruption, guaranteeing sustainability through a steady flow of funding. Ultimately, he said, the goal is to recognise young talents and motivate them to believe that their country values their achievements.

However, the most powerful moment came when I interacted with the students themselves. Their reactions were deeply emotional. One of them, Andrew Miracle Yemi, broke down in tears when the Director General called her to the podium and listed her achievements. When asked why she was crying, she said she never imagined being recognised in front of her classmates. That moment alone showed how meaningful such recognition can be.

The words of Crown Umeh truly hit home when she said, “I am happy that the National Sports Commission came to our school to recognise us and show that they care. It encourages me to do more. I will always represent Nigeria because the country has supported me, and this cheque is just a token that shows there is more to come in the future.”

Her statement perfectly captured the essence of the Youth Appreciation Tour, an initiative that is bound to create a ripple effect across the entire sports landscape

Listening to these young athletes made me realise the true brilliance of the Youth Appreciation Tour. It is more than a ceremony—it is a strategic move to motivate young Nigerians, especially those unsure about pursuing sports or representing the country. Recognition at this level can have a ripple effect across the entire sports ecosystem.

Several athletes were honoured during the event. Crown Umeh received ₦1 million for his achievements in taekwondo, while Unique Umeh, a bronze medalist at the African School Games in Algeria, also received ₦1 million. In athletics, Andrew Miracle Yemi was rewarded with ₦2 million. Other beneficiaries included Adaeze Precious (₦1 million), Rosemary Chigozie (₦3 million), and West African and Nigerian champion Miracle Ezechuku, who also received ₦3 million.

The initiative deserves commendation. By celebrating young athletes at the grassroots level, the National Sports Commission is not only rewarding excellence but also shaping the future of Nigerian sports. Programmes like this show that recognition and encouragement can inspire a new generation of athletes and strengthen the nation’s sporting ecosystem.