The All Progressives Congress (APC) has reaffirmed its dedication to youth empowerment, promising to leverage Nigeria’s sports sector as a vehicle for job creation and national development.
This commitment was made by the party’s National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, according to a statement released by his media aide, Abimbola Tooki, on Monday.
From the Pitch to Policy: Taking Football Diplomacy Further
The announcement comes in the wake of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria secured third place in the tournament.
While the Super Eagles captured the hearts of fans, Yilwatda’s efforts went beyond cheering for the team.
He participated in high-level strategic discussions on the sidelines of AFCON in Rabat, Morocco, aimed at using football as a tool for job creation, unity, and sustainable development across Nigeria.
“Professor Yilwatda was part of the Federal Government delegation in Morocco, rallying support for the Super Eagles while engaging in crucial talks to redefine the future of Nigerian football,” the statement said.
Learning From Morocco’s Model
A landmark strategy session, facilitated by Silas Agara, Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment, brought together political leaders, football diplomats, and technical experts.
The session focused on adapting lessons from Morocco’s celebrated sports development model into a Nigerian framework that delivers tangible outcomes.
The discussions highlighted that Morocco’s football success stems from long-term planning, coherent policies, and sustained investment.
APC leaders agreed that Nigeria could replicate this approach, but with a broader lens on the entire sports economy—not just match results.
Building a Nigerian Sports Economy
The proposed framework emphasizes creating thousands of jobs for young Nigerians through stadium construction, facility management, coaching programs, sports administration, and allied sectors.
By viewing football as more than a game, the strategy aims to turn it into an engine of employment, skills development, and national cohesion.
Professor Yilwatda will provide political leadership and policy direction, while Silas Agara is set to drive implementation.
FIFA council member and CAF leader Amaju Pinnick will offer global expertise and access to international technical support, and policy and technology specialist Esebamen Clement will design a data-driven framework to guide the initiative.
Collaborating With State Governments
A significant takeaway from the Rabat discussions was the importance of involving state governments, particularly through the Progressive Governors Forum.
By working closely with regional authorities, the initiative aims to ensure local ownership, effective implementation, and measurable impact for young Nigerians nationwide.
Football as a Catalyst for Unity and Growth
Yilwatda concluded by reaffirming that football, when properly structured and supported, has the power to unite the nation, empower its youth, and stimulate economic growth.
With a clear vision and a detailed blueprint, the APC hopes to transform Nigeria’s sports sector into a robust contributor to national development.
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