The AMAPRO Africa Development Program, in partnership with the Project Management Institute (PMI) Nigeria, has trained sports stakeholders on the importance of project management and leadership skills in building a sustainable and effective sports ecosystem.
The training, held during a masterclass webinar themed “Project Management and Leadership Skills in Modern Sports Ecosystem”, took place on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the Ilorin Innovation Hub in Ilorin, Kwara State, with additional participants joining virtually from different locations.
The programme focused on equipping sports administrators, coaches, club owners, sports journalists, and other stakeholders with globally recognised project management principles aimed at improving structures both on and off the field.
Speaking virtually during the session, PMI Nigeria facilitator, Mr. Anthony Dele Daniel, stressed that every successful sporting event should be approached as a project with clearly defined objectives and structures.
“Every tournament is a project,” Daniel stated, while highlighting the importance of defining scope, setting deliverables, establishing timelines, managing resources, and tracking progress for successful execution.
He explained that proper budget management and effective resource allocation are critical to avoiding overspending, while regular monitoring and evaluation help identify challenges early and ensure smooth project delivery.
Daniel also emphasised the need for effective leadership within sports organisations, noting that communication, coordination, and stakeholder management are essential for achieving positive outcomes in sports administration.
Another facilitator from PMI Nigeria, Mrs. Adekemi Oyewusi, further underscored the importance of integrating leadership and project management skills into the modern sports ecosystem to enhance professionalism and efficiency.
Reacting to the training, the Technical Adviser of Kwara United, Ashifat Suleiman, described the initiative as impactful and educational.
“Knowledge is a continuous process. This programme has helped improve managerial skills. It is a very good programme,” Suleiman said.
Also speaking at the event, Board Member of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Mrs. Monisola Makanjuola, commended the organisers for promoting capacity building within the sports sector.
The brain behind the AMAPRO Africa Development Program, Mr. Shogo Shodunnke, said the initiative was designed to strengthen leadership capacity and improve knowledge within Africa’s sports industry.
According to him, the programme seeks to position Africa’s sports ecosystem competitively among rapidly developing sporting nations on the continent while helping stakeholders maximise opportunities within their local communities.
Shodunnke added that adopting professional project management practices in sports administration would help transform the sector and contribute significantly to economic growth.
He further noted that a well-structured sports ecosystem would produce lasting impact and positively influence lives across communities.
The programme attracted over 100 physical and virtual participants, including sports administrators, coaches, club owners, sports journalists, and other stakeholders, who were presented with certificates of participation at the end of the training.
