By Martins Odiette
The First Vice President of the Nigeria Archery Federation, Augustine Chigbolu, has called for stronger institutional and corporate support for the development of archery in Nigeria, stressing that sports can serve as a major driver of youth empowerment, education, diplomacy and sustainable economic growth across Africa.
Chigbolu made the call during the “SPORT4AFRICA: Sport and Universities as Strategic and Systemic Drivers for Development and Impact Investments” round table held on Tuesday at the Foro Italico Sport University in Rome.
The hybrid event brought together participants from across Africa and Europe and focused on the role of sports and universities in promoting development, impact investments and partnerships in Africa in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Speaking during discussions involving African and Italian universities, former athletes, foundations and development experts, Chigbolu highlighted the untapped potential of archery in Nigeria and Africa, noting that the sport deserves greater investment and policy attention.
According to him, archery can become a strategic platform for youth engagement, talent development and international cooperation if adequately supported by government institutions, universities, private investors and corporate organisations.
He stressed the importance of creating sustainable partnerships capable of providing modern facilities, athlete development programmes, scholarships and international exposure for young Nigerian archers.
Chigbolu, who is also the Managing Director of Giant Gee Nigeria Limited, thanked Professor Paolo Bertaccini for inviting him to participate in the international round table.
Other notable speakers at the event included Professor Francis Dodoo and several academics, sports administrators and development experts from Africa and Europe.
Chigbolu further noted that Nigeria’s participation in global sports conversations such as SPORT4AFRICA presents an opportunity for the country to attract technical partnerships and impact-driven investments into the sports sector.
The SPORT4AFRICA initiative seeks to foster collaboration among universities, research centres, public institutions, private companies, financial operators, civil society organisations and sports bodies to explore the relationship between sports and Africa’s development agenda.
Organisers said the initiative is designed to encourage the exchange of expertise, study visits and public-private partnership projects capable of driving local development and attracting qualified investors through sports diplomacy and social impact initiatives.
The round table was held as part of activities surrounding the broader Impact Finance Conference and followed the “Italy-Africa: Cultures in Play” summit organised by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Rome.
Participants at the event discussed frameworks for future Memoranda of Understanding between African universities and international partners, with sports positioned as a tool for business diplomacy, education, social inclusion and sustainable development.
