By Samuel Akpan In Abeokuta
The Esports Federation of Nigeria has made a groundbreaking debut at the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival, with Chief Operating Officer Damilola Pedro asserting that Esports has the potential to drive Nigeria’s sports economy.
Speaking at the MKO Abiola Stadium Complex on Saturday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, said the video game industry is worth over $180 billion, surpassing the combined value of the film and music industries.
With over 3.3 billion people playing games globally, Africa is projected to house the fastest-growing gaming population, and Nigeria is expected to have the highest deposit of gamers in Africa and the world by 2027.
Persecondnews correspondent covering the games, reports that the Chief Operating Officer noted that Esports is not just a game, but a discipline that requires strategy, communication, leadership, and performance under pressure.
“Esports is taking the stage, and with it, so is the voice of an entire generation that has long been ignored, misunderstood, and underestimated,” she said.
The Esports Federation COO highlighted the vast opportunities esports presents for Nigeria’s youth, particularly in employment, education, and empowerment.
“At a time when unemployment is rising, and youth potential is being exported or wasted, we have in our hands an industry that can employ, educate, empower, without needing a single drop of oil,” Pedro said.
She expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and the National Sports Commission for their visionary leadership in driving the adoption of esports at the national level.
Pedro urged stakeholders and players in the sports ecosystem to partner with the federation to realize the full potential of esports.
“To every stakeholder reading this, partner with us now, or play catch up later. To every skeptic, watch closely. We are not here to prove ourselves, we are here to take our place. This is not a hobby, this is a revolution,” she declared.
The President of the EFN, Messiah Maikori, hailed the recent success as historic, confidently saying, “We have no doubt that this will mark the beginning of bigger achievements for the country’s sports.”
This official recognition of esports by the National Sports Commission is set to unlock substantial opportunities for young Nigerians and contribute significantly to the country’s economic developmenuel Akpan In Abeokuta
The Esports Federation of Nigeria has made a groundbreaking debut at the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival, with Chief Operating Officer Damilola Pedro asserting that Esports has the potential to drive Nigeria’s sports economy.
Speaking at the MKO Abiola Stadium Complex on Saturday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, said the video game industry is worth over $180 billion, surpassing the combined value of the film and music industries.
With over 3.3 billion people playing games globally, Africa is projected to house the fastest-growing gaming population, and Nigeria is expected to have the highest deposit of gamers in Africa and the world by 2027.
Persecondnews correspondent covering the games, reports that the Chief Operating Officer noted that Esports is not just a game, but a discipline that requires strategy, communication, leadership, and performance under pressure.
“Esports is taking the stage, and with it, so is the voice of an entire generation that has long been ignored, misunderstood, and underestimated,” she said.
The Esports Federation COO highlighted the vast opportunities esports presents for Nigeria’s youth, particularly in employment, education, and empowerment.
“At a time when unemployment is rising, and youth potential is being exported or wasted, we have in our hands an industry that can employ, educate, empower, without needing a single drop of oil,” Pedro said.
She expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and the National Sports Commission for their visionary leadership in driving the adoption of esports at the national level.
Pedro urged stakeholders and players in the sports ecosystem to partner with the federation to realize the full potential of esports.
“To every stakeholder reading this, partner with us now, or play catch up later. To every skeptic, watch closely. We are not here to prove ourselves, we are here to take our place. This is not a hobby, this is a revolution,” she declared.
The President of the EFN, Messiah Maikori, hailed the recent success as historic, confidently saying, “We have no doubt that this will mark the beginning of bigger achievements for the country’s sports.”
This official recognition of esports by the National Sports Commission is set to unlock substantial opportunities for young Nigerians and contribute significantly to the country’s economic development.
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