Sport & Youths Development Academy (SYDA), the esteemed marketing partner of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation, has passionately called upon the federal government to actively engage major multinationals, including industry giants MTN and Multichoice, to amplify sports development initiatives nationwide, Sports247 reports.
The appeal was fervently articulated by Segun Maku, CEO of SYDA, following a high-level meeting with top management, including the CEO of Group Africa Marketing (the exclusive marketing agency for MTN in South Africa).
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Maku emphasized the need to leverage partnerships with renowned South African agencies, citing the prominence of rugby in South Africa’s sports landscape as a model for success.
Highlighting the substantial support rugby enjoys from multinationals like MTN and Multichoice in South Africa, Maku expressed his optimism for similar backing in Nigeria.
He proposed the enactment of government policies compelling these multinationals to invest in and foster the growth of sports, particularly emphasizing rugby.
In his closing statements, Maku passionately urged the establishment of a policy framework incentivizing and obliging multinationals to significantly contribute to sports advancement.
Such a framework, he argued, would create an environment conducive to the growth of rugby and other sporting disciplines in Nigeria.
Nigeria’s current 8th position in Africa, as per the latest rugby rankings released by Rugby Africa post-Olympic qualifiers in Harare, Zimbabwe, underscores the untapped potential awaiting recognition and support in the country’s rugby landscape.
This ranking serves as a poignant reminder of the urgency for collaborative efforts between the government and corporate entities to propel Nigeria to greater heights in the sporting realm.
As the nation strives to enhance its rugby standing, the rallying call from SYDA echoes the collective aspiration for a robust sports development ecosystem in Nigeria.
