In a landmark effort to promote youth empowerment and social inclusion through sport, the Nigerian Fencing Federation (NFF), with the support of the International Fencing Federation (FIE), is exploring a strategic partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The initiative aims to leverage fencing as a transformative tool for child development, education, peacebuilding, and sustainable growth across Nigeria and potentially the African continent.
The high-level meeting took place at UNICEF Nigeria’s headquarters in Lagos during the recently concluded 23rd African Fencing Championships. Attending the meeting were FIE Secretary-General Gulnora Saidova, African Fencing Confederation President Mbagnick Ndiaye, and NFF President Adeyinka Samuel, who met with senior representatives of UNICEF Nigeria to discuss a collaborative framework for the initiative.
UNICEF Nigeria was represented by Ronak Khan, Deputy Representative (Programmes); Kundra Bharat, Skill Development and Youth Empowerment Specialist; and Emmanuel Bamidele, Youth Engagement and Partnership Officer. Also present were Novak Perovic, FIE Vice President and African Confederation Vice President; Obinna Anyanwu, Vice Chairman of the Organizing Committee and Executive Committee Member; and Rachael Samuel, Vice President of the Nigerian Fencing Federation.
During the meeting, NFF President Adeyinka Samuel shared the federation’s vision to use fencing as a catalyst for social change and youth development. The discussions highlighted the vast potential of the partnership to positively impact communities across Nigeria and Africa.
FIE Secretary-General Gulnora Saidova remarked:
“At the FIE, we are committed to developing fencing globally—not only as a sport but as a platform for social and cultural development. We are thrilled about the opportunities discussed with UNICEF Nigeria and deeply value the potential of this collaboration to enhance lives across Africa and beyond.”
Samuel added, “This partnership is a major step toward using fencing to empower and uplift young people across Nigeria. We are proud to scale our grassroots efforts into a national movement for education, inclusion, and opportunity through sport.”
UNICEF Nigeria expressed strong interest in the proposal, noting its alignment with their core objectives, including child protection, youth engagement, skill development, and peacebuilding through sport. The organization confirmed its capacity for nationwide implementation through existing youth programs and structures. If finalized, this would mark UNICEF Nigeria’s first sports-based development initiative.
The proposed collaboration is poised to become a landmark program for youth and fencing development in Africa, with all parties committed to building a scalable, impactful model for long-term success.
