The 11th Ladies in Sports (LIS) International Summit, held in Lagos over the weekend, witnessed strong calls for an enabling environment to drive sports development in Nigeria. The event featured prominent figures including former Minister of Finance Kemi Adeosun, philanthropist and sports advocate Yemi Idowu, and other industry leaders who underscored the critical role of infrastructure, good governance, and strategic investment in unlocking the nation's vast sporting potential.
Key Stakeholders Convene
The summit brought together key stakeholders such as Bukola Olopade, Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC); Adeosun; Idowu, patron of the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF); former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Vice President Seyi Akinwunmi; and ITTF Africa Chief Operating Officer Kweku Tandoh. Their discussions centered on creating a robust framework for sports development.
Adeosun: Governance and Athlete-Centric Approach
Adeosun emphasized that infrastructure alone cannot guarantee success without transparent and accountable systems that prioritize athletes. She stated, “Structures must be deliberately built for sports to thrive, and stakeholders must remain committed to the process because consistency is essential for long-term success.” She added, “Good governance begins with understanding the needs of athletes rather than making assumptions. Conscious efforts must be made to identify those needs before investing in infrastructure and programmes.”
Idowu: Sports as a Social Service
Idowu, a long-time champion of youth and school sports, urged governments, corporations, and individuals to view sports as a tool for social transformation rather than purely commercial gain. He challenged stakeholders to develop facilities within their domains, saying, “If your primary objective in sports is profit, then you may have missed its true value. Sports are first and foremost a social service. It remains one of the few platforms where merit can prevail, offering disadvantaged youth opportunities to rise above poverty.” He emphasized the need for government investment in infrastructure that channels young people’s energy productively, alongside regional surveys to ensure facilities meet community needs. Expressing optimism, Idowu pointed to Nigeria’s youthful population and immense talent pool as key advantages, encouraging stakeholders to turn challenges into opportunities for sustainable growth.
Olopade: Strengthening Private-Sector Partnerships
Olopade reaffirmed the NSC’s commitment to strengthening private-sector partnerships to expand opportunities for athletes and improve infrastructure nationwide. He highlighted the commission's dedication to fostering collaboration that benefits the sports ecosystem.
LIS Founder Reflects on Journey
Reflecting on the summit’s journey, LIS founder Tega Onojaife credited consistent stakeholder support—particularly from Akinwunmi—for sustaining the platform over the past decade. She noted that LIS was established to empower women and girls in sports and has evolved into a respected forum attracting athletes, diplomats, business leaders, broadcasters, policymakers, and administrators globally.
Theme and Discussions
This year’s theme, “Beyond the Games: Power, Profit and Purpose,” explored the intersection of sports, business, governance, and social impact. The one-day event featured panel discussions with media professionals, executives, and development experts, who examined strategies to make sports more profitable, sustainable, and inclusive.
