The French Institute (IFN), in collaboration with GOSKATE, has called on the Nigerian government to invest in the skateboarding industry as a means to create more opportunities for young Nigerians to represent the country in international competitions such as the Olympics. The partnership emphasized that skating instills essential qualities like tenacity and perseverance, which are crucial for achieving any goal.
Government Role in Skating Development
The experts highlighted that the government can play a significant role by ensuring safety and organizing skating tournaments. Such initiatives would not only promote the sport but also help reduce youth restlessness and its potential link to crime. They explained that skating extends beyond sports, connecting to other art forms such as photography, music, and dance, which attract the youthful demographic and build a sense of community.
Event at French Institute in Abuja
This call was made during a recent event at the French Institute in Wuse, Abuja, which featured a short documentary series on skating followed by a dynamic panel discussion led by Chimdi Onyiuke. The panel included passionate skaters like Lukman Abdulrahman, Ogbogu Daniel, Sean Omoluabi, Oluwakemi Ladejobi, and Giles Omoluabi. The forum provided skaters and enthusiasts a valuable opportunity to share their experiences and reignite their passion for the sport.
Insights from Key Figures
In an interview with the Guardian, Margaux Lucas, Cultural Programming Officer at the French Institute, shared her own involvement in skating. She emphasized that skating promotes freedom and artistic expression and is a vital part of cultural identity. Lucas announced that the French Institute is committed to projects enhancing sports, music, talent development, creativity, and diverse cultural expressions. She stated, “The French Institute is dedicated to hosting events such as exhibitions, film screenings, discussions, and intellectual exchanges to strengthen diplomatic ties.”
Lukman Abdulrahman, founder of GOSKATE, addressed misconceptions about skaters being labeled as hooligans. He argued that these stereotypes are misleading and detract from skating’s true potential. He pointed out that Nigeria could learn from the United States, which invests heavily in skateparks to enrich its cultural and urban landscape while empowering youth. He advocated for government support to improve security and provide a platform for the skating sector’s growth.
Oluwakemi Ladejobi, Marketing and Community Manager at GOSKATE, stressed the importance of safety gear. She noted that skating communities help prevent injuries by offering structured training for beginners, intermediates, and professionals. Ladejobi called on the government to allocate funds, organize regional or interstate tournaments, and explore the tourism potential of skating, which could benefit Nigeria’s economy. She concluded, “Skating teaches essential life lessons such as perseverance, tenacity, discipline, and risk-taking, which are valuable in everyday life.”
This collaborative effort marks a pivotal step toward embracing skating and maximizing its benefits for individuals and the community.
