The National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF) has launched a grassroots sports development programme in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with a focus on boxing, aimed at nurturing young athletic talent and strengthening Nigeria’s sporting foundation.

The initiative, unveiled at the Continental Hotel in Abuja, marks a new chapter in NLTF’s efforts to empower youth through sport. The programme will provide young boxers with access to professional coaching, training equipment, and opportunities to compete at higher levels.

Representing the Executive Secretary at the launch, NLTF Deputy Director of Operations, Bankole Kamarudeen, underscored the organisation’s dedication to promoting sports as a tool for social impact and national development.

“We are excited to launch this programme, which will provide young boxers with the opportunity to develop their skills and compete at a higher level,” Kamarudeen said. “We believe that sport has the power to transform lives and communities, and we are committed to supporting the development of sports in Nigeria.”

The intervention is expected to benefit hundreds of aspiring athletes in the FCT and serve as a model for similar programmes across the country. It forms part of the Fund’s broader strategy to integrate sports into national development efforts, particularly by identifying and nurturing talent at the grassroots level.

As Nigeria continues to seek stronger representation in international sports, initiatives such as this are seen as vital for long-term success. For young boxers in Abuja, the programme offers a rare opportunity to dream bigger and train harder — with the full support of a national institution behind them.