Africa Forward: Harnessing Sport for Inclusion, Youth Empowerment and Sustainable Development NAFA at UNGA 81 · Nigeria House, New York · 21 September 2026 Your Excellency, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, thank you for that keynote and for opening Nigeria House to this conversation. To our partners AUDA-NEPAD, NABU and the Cleveland Browns, to United Nations Nigeria, and to everyone who has travelled to be here: welcome. I lead the Nigeria American Football Association, and as convenor my job is not to give you a second keynote. It is to share what we have learned answering the two questions this event is...

The Nigeria American Football Association (NAFA) convened nearly 60 participants, including leaders from sport, government, international development, civil society, education and the private sector in New York for “Africa Forward: Harnessing Sport for Inclusion, Youth Empowerment and Sustainable Development,” its side event during the 81st United Nations General Assembly. Held on 21 September 2026 at Nigeria House, New York, the event placed Sport for Development at the centre of conversations around Africa’s young population, education, inclusion, skills development and sustainable development. The event was organised by NAFA in partnership with the Cleveland Browns, NABU and the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD...

The Gridiron Gems Initiative aims to empower girls at the Special Correctional Centre for Girls in Lagos through flag football, fostering leadership, teamwork, and confidence. By integrating vocational skills and sustaining mentorship, the program promotes personal growth and rehabilitation, demonstrating the transformative power of sport in marginalized communities.