NSC DG: Bukola Olopade Backs RIYE U-15 Athletics Circuit, as Ogun’s Biggest Grassroots Sports Platform Grows

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has once again reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to grassroots sports development after throwing his weight behind the RIYE U-15 Athletics Circuit Grand Finale held at the MKO Abiola International Stadium on Friday, June 27.

The athletics championship, tagged RIYE Under-15 Athletics Circuit representing Remo, Ijebu, Yewa and Egba, the four major zones of Ogun State,  brought together young talents from across the state in what has become one of the growing grassroots sporting initiatives in southwestern Nigeria.

Speaking during an interview at the event, Olopade praised the organizers while using the platform to reinforce the National Sports Commission’s philosophy that sustainable sports development in Nigeria must begin at the grassroots level.

During the interview, the NSC boss made it clear that youth development remains one of the strongest pillars of the commission’s current direction.

According to him, any initiative focused on discovering and nurturing young talents automatically aligns with the National Sports Commission’s vision.

Olopade openly congratulated the event organizers Hon. Tunde Delu also Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) and the organizing team, for investing time and resources into creating a platform capable of identifying future stars.

He stated that whenever sports development centers around young people and grassroots talent discovery, he is always willing to support such initiatives.

“Whenever it is youth or grassroots development, I am fully for it. The National Sports Commission today is grassroots-based and that is the direction we are operating on.”

His statement once again signals a deliberate shift by the NSC toward talent development at community and state levels rather than focusing only on elite competition.

Bukola Olopade pointed to recent examples to explain why grassroots competitions like RIYE are becoming increasingly important.

According to him, the first time many Nigerians saw emerging talents was through local competitions held within communities before they eventually reached national recognition.

For him, RIYE is gradually becoming an important talent pipeline for Ogun State athletics.

“It is a good build-up for athletes full of talent for Ogun State.”

The NSC believes events like this create the foundation needed to build Nigeria’s next generation of elite athletes.

Olopade went beyond sports and described grassroots competitions as part of a bigger national development strategy.

According to him, nation-building does not begin in major cities or elite institutions alone, it starts from communities where young people are given opportunities to grow.

He praised the RIYE initiative for bringing together athletes from all four zones of Ogun State.

Young athletes from:

Remo

Ijebu

Yewa

Egba

all competed under one platform, creating healthy competition and strengthening community integration.

For Olopade, this kind of structure helps unite communities while building future national representatives.

“Nation building starts from the obscure environment of our country. In this case, Ogun State. You see children from Yewa, Ijebu, Remo and Egba coming together.”

One of the biggest takeaways from the interview came when Olopade explained the pathway available to athletes performing well at RIYE.

He confirmed that strong performances at grassroots competitions can open doors to national opportunities under the National Sports Commission development structure.

Athletes who excel will first have opportunities to represent Ogun State at the upcoming National Youth Festival in Delta State.

From there, exceptional talents can progress further and possibly represent Nigeria at international competitions.

Olopade explained that selection opportunities remain open for athletes who consistently perform at state and national competitions.

“Once you represent your state at that age, it opens the door for you to become part of invited junior athletes under the NSC.”

This statement offers direct motivation for young athletes competing in grassroots tournaments across the country.

The NSC Director General also emphasized that real societal contribution goes beyond political promises or financial handouts.

He praised those investing directly in youth development projects and stressed that genuine impact comes from creating opportunities that help young people grow into future champions.

By supporting grassroots sporting competitions like RIYE, organizers are making long-term investments in society rather than short-term gestures.

Olopade’s comments reflect a growing belief that sports can serve as one of Nigeria’s strongest development tools when properly managed.

The successful hosting of the RIYE Under 15 Athletics Circuit Grand Finale is further proof that Ogun State continues to establish itself as one of Nigeria’s strongest grassroots sports centers.

With support coming directly from the National Sports Commission leadership, the competition could become a major annual talent discovery event for young athletes across the state.

For participants, the event offers far more than medals.

It creates visibility, opportunity, and a pathway toward national representation.

The message from Bukola Olopade at the RIYE Athletics Circuit Grand Finale was simple and powerful.

Nigeria’s sporting future will not be built only at elite competitions.

It begins from grassroots competitions where young talents are discovered early, supported properly, and given a pathway to grow.

Through initiatives like RIYE, Ogun State is helping shape that future.

And with the National Sports Commission placing grassroots development at the center of its agenda, competitions like this may soon become the foundation of Nigeria’s next generation of sporting champions.