Adeyinka Adeboye leads a massive peace walk and IDP outreach in Abuja as Nigeria marks the 2026 International Day of Sport for Development and Peace
Thousands of Nigerians on Monday took part in a large-scale peace walk and humanitarian outreach in Abuja to mark the 2026 International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.
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The Adeboye peace walk Abuja sports development event was led by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye.
The procession began at Unity Fountain and ended at Eagle Square, drawing participants from across government, sports bodies, and civil society in a strong display of national unity.
The event featured key stakeholders, including officials from the National Sports Commission led by Shehu Dikko, alongside representatives of the Nigeria Olympic Committee and other sporting institutions.
At Eagle Square, participants engaged in aerobics and fitness sessions, with music, networking, and public engagement activities marking the celebration.
Organisers said the event aimed to promote peace, inclusion, and national cohesion through sports-driven initiatives.
In his remarks, Adeboye commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting grassroots sports development and youth empowerment initiatives across the country.
He described the event as more than a physical activity, but a movement for unity and national development.
The programme later extended to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Apo, where sports activities and humanitarian outreach were carried out.
Residents participated in football matches, track events, and traditional games designed to encourage community engagement and relief.
Essential food items such as rice, beans, and maize were distributed to families, alongside financial support to vulnerable residents.
The outreach was widely described as a gesture of compassion aimed at restoring hope and supporting displaced communities.
The event reflected the global theme, Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers, highlighting the role of sport in fostering inclusion and peacebuilding.
Organisers said the initiative demonstrated how sports can be used as a tool for social impact beyond competition.
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The celebration ended with renewed calls for unity, development, and sustained investment in grassroots sports programmes across Nigeria.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
