Amaju Pinnick Advocates for Sports as a Tool for National Cohesion and Economic Growth at UI Lecture

At a recent guest lecture at the University of Ibadan, former President of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and FIFA Council Member, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick, underscored the transformative power of sports as a tool for national cohesion, security, infrastructure development, and economic growth. He urged Nigeria to prioritize sports infrastructure as a strategic means to reduce youth involvement in criminal activities and boost national unity.

Delivering a lecture titled "The Challenges of Sports Infrastructure and Maintenance in Nigeria: Prospect for Podium Performance," Pinnick highlighted the role of sports in fostering international relations, unity, and social stability. He asserted that well-maintained sports infrastructure could deter youths from joining insurgencies, emphasizing that professional and academic training in sports administration and facility management is crucial to modern sports management.

Encouraging the current NFF administration, Pinnick advised continued efforts to revamp football infrastructure nationwide. He also suggested that Nigeria should resume hosting major sports competitions to yield significant cultural, social, and economic benefits.

In his welcome address, University of Ibadan Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, praised Pinnick’s contributions to African football governance and global influence. He described Pinnick's visit as an opportunity for potential collaborations in sports infrastructure development and research.

Professor Adebowale expressed hope that Pinnick’s lecture would lay the foundation for a lasting partnership between the University, NFF, CAF, and FIFA. He lamented the poor state of Nigeria's sports infrastructure, which he argued has not kept pace with the country's vast athletic potential.

Dean of the Faculty of Education, Prof. O. A. Adegbesan, described Pinnick as an influential figure in global football, lauding his remarkable contributions to the sports industry. The lecture, part of the University’s town-and-gown initiative, aims to address issues affecting Nigeria’s economy and society through insights from renowned personalities.

Before the lecture, Mr. Pinnick paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor, further strengthening ties between the University and Nigeria’s sports administration.