AMAPRO, PMI Nigeria Empowers Sports Administrators With Project Management, Leadership Skills

AMAPRO, PMI Nigeria empowers Sports Administrators With Project Management, Leadership Skills

The brain behind AMAPRO, Mr. Shogo Shodunnke, has emphasized the urgent need for professionalism, capacity building, and certified leadership within Nigeria's sports ecosystem following the successful hosting of the Project Management and Leadership Skills in Modern Sports Ecosystem Webinar held on Saturday at the Ilorin Innovation Hub.

The event, organized through a collaboration between AMAPRO and the Project Management Institute of Nigeria (PMI Nigeria), attracted participants physically at the Ilorin Innovation Hub and virtually through Google Meet.

Speaking after the programme, Shodunnke said exposure to global best practices in sports administration has revealed the need for Nigeria and Africa to embrace modern approaches to sports management, leadership, and project execution.

According to him, sports has evolved into a major project-driven industry that requires competent and qualified professionals capable of delivering sustainable results.

"We have visited several clubs, associations, and federations and have seen how things are done elsewhere. Sports is now a project, and we need competent leaders who can manage our sports sector effectively. We have seen what is happening in countries like Rwanda and Morocco, and there is a need for us to increase knowledge and capacity within the sports sector across Africa and Nigeria," he said.

Shodunnke revealed that AMAPRO has established strategic partnerships with PMI Nigeria and Ace Athletics in Madrid to train sports stakeholders in project management, data analysis, leadership, and other critical areas necessary for sustainable sports development.

He noted that one of the major challenges facing the sports sector is the lack of professionally trained administrators.

"If you look around, many positions in sports administration are occupied by individuals who may have been appointed through political affiliations or personal relationships. We conducted our analysis and discovered that many people managing sports projects are not certified. Just as you cannot practice medicine without being a doctor or representing a client in court without being a lawyer, sports administration should also be handled by trained professionals," he explained.

Shogo Shodunnke stressed that equipping administrators with relevant knowledge and certifications would create a more productive sports ecosystem capable of generating employment opportunities, attracting investments, and improving community development.

Reflecting on previous initiatives, Shodunnke highlighted the success of the "Beyond the Pitch" programme held last year, which featured the Chief Scout of Chelsea Football Club, Seyi Olofinjana and a lecturer from the Mass Communication Department of the University of Ilorin. The programme focused on strengthening communication between sports federations and associations while also introducing talent identification strategies involving the former Super Eagles midfielder.

He disclosed that AMAPRO remains committed to continuous learning and innovation within the sports sector, with plans already underway for additional developmental programmes later in the year despite preparations for the 2026 Amapro football championship scheduled to hold in July.

Shodunnke, however, expressed concern over the low turnout of sports administrators and stakeholders at the event, urging them to take advantage of educational opportunities that can enhance their effectiveness and contribute to sports development in Kwara State.

"It is not encouraging for us to organize programmes like this and have only a few stakeholders present. Many administrators were absent, perhaps because they felt they did not need it or believed they were bigger than this. Nevertheless, we appreciate everyone who attended and supported the programme," he stated.

He reiterated that the webinar serves only as a foundation for participants and encouraged them to pursue professional certification courses through PMI Nigeria while maintaining active collaboration with AMAPRO.

"This is just a foundational class. Participants need to take the next step by enrolling in PMI courses to become certified project managers. We also want them to continue collaborating with AMAPRO because achieving greatness requires commitment, contribution, and collective effort," he added.

The webinar featured presentations from notable resource persons including Anthony Dele Daniel, Adekemi Oyewusi, Aransionla Goodluck, and Sikemi Yomi Adeyanju, who shared insights on leadership, project management, and sustainable sports development.

The event forms part of AMAPRO's broader vision of building a knowledgeable and professionally driven sports ecosystem capable of transforming lives, creating opportunities, and advancing sports development across Kwara State and Nigeria.