{
  "id": 9605716,
  "title": "Odegbami Urges FG to Harness Sports As Economic Engine for Nigeria’s Orange Economy",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/odegbami-urges-fg-to-harness-sports-as-economic-engine-for-nigerias",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-24T18:28:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "This Day",
    "slug": "this-day",
    "url": "https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/09/24/odegbami-urges-fg-to-harness-sports-as-economic-engine-for-nigerias-orange-economy/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Chief Segun Odegbami, a former Super Eagles captain and respected sports administrator, urged the Nigerian government to harness the economic potential hidden within the country's sports sector. Speaking as the guest lecturer for Senior Executive Course 48 (SEC 48) at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Plateau State, Odegbami emphasized that sports should be seen as a key driver of the nation's emerging Orange Economy, sustainable development, and national integration. He asserted that Nigeria must harness its sports resources to earn its place among the world's economic powerhouses.\n\nOdegbami explained that the sector encompasses various aspects, such as ticketing, branding, insurance, sports facilities, sportswear production, athlete branding, and a multitude of related goods and services. By recognizing and capitalizing on these opportunities, he argued, the sector could generate employment, foster wealth, and significantly contribute to national economic growth. He labeled sports as an \"untapped territory\" with immense potential to boost unity and social cohesion, calling for investments in sports infrastructure that remain productive beyond major tournaments.\n\nHighlighting successful examples, Odegbami pointed to countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, and Scandinavian nations, which have integrated sports and physical activity into their infrastructure planning, including road design. He encouraged Nigeria to adopt similar forward-looking strategies to ensure that sports facilities continue serving communities long after major events. As evidence of his own commitment, Odegbami shared how he nurtures young talent through his sports academy, advocating for expanded opportunities for female athletes.\n\nAt 74 years old, Odegbami remains active, jogging regularly and urging young Nigerians to prioritize fitness and healthy living. He challenged the nation to move beyond wishful thinking and develop the confidence and commitment necessary to turn possibilities into sustainable opportunities, emphasizing that Nigeria's sports sector holds the key to unlocking its economic potential.",
  "summary": "Yemi Kosoko in Jos Former Super Eagles captain and renowned sports administrator, Chief Segun Odegbami, has called on the Federal Government to unlock the vast economic potential embedded in Nigeria’s",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}