Institute Urges Government Investment In Skateboarding 

The French Institute (IFN), in collaboration with GOSKATE, has called on the government to invest in the skateboarding industry as a means of creating opportunities for Nigerian youth to represent the nation in global sporting events, including the Olympic Games.

According to the institute, skateboarding instills essential qualities such as resilience and perseverance, which are critical to achieving success in any endeavor. The experts further emphasised that the government could play a pivotal role by fostering a safe and supportive environment, including organising official tournaments. Such initiatives, they noted, would not only promote the sport but also help mitigate youth restiveness and its potential links to crime.

Beyond athletics, the stakeholders explained that skateboarding is intertwined with other creative expressions—such as photography, music, and dance—and that the sense of creative freedom it offers naturally draws young people together into cohesive communities.

These insights were shared during a recent event at the French Institute in Wuse, Abuja. The gathering featured a short documentary screening on skateboarding, followed by a dynamic panel discussion moderated by Chimdi Onyiuke.

The panel included passionate skaters: Lukman Abdulrahman, Ogbogu Daniel, Sean Omoluabi, Oluwakemi Ladejobi, and Giles Omoluabi. The forum provided skaters and enthusiasts with a valuable platform to exchange experiences and rekindle their enthusiasm for the sport.

Speaking with journalists, Margaux Lucas, Cultural Programming Officer at the French Institute, shared her personal engagement with skateboarding. She described the sport as a vehicle for freedom and artistic expression, as well as a vital component of cultural identity. Lucas reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to projects that advance sports, music, talent development, creativity, and diverse cultural expressions. “The French Institute is dedicated to hosting events such as exhibitions, film screenings, discussions, and intellectual exchanges to strengthen diplomatic ties,” she stated.

Lukman Abdulrahman, founder of GOSKATE, seized the opportunity to challenge misconceptions that unfairly label skaters as hooligans. He argued that such stereotypes are misleading and detract from the sport’s true potential. Abdulrahman urged Nigeria to take inspiration from the United States, where significant investment in skateparks has enriched cultural and urban landscapes while empowering youth. He called for government support to enhance security and provide a platform for the skateboarding sector to thrive.

Sean Omoluabi, Operations Manager and Videographer at GOSKATE, highlighted the authenticity of capturing skateboarding on camera. He noted that every aspect of the experience—from smooth runs to falling off the board—contributes to the sport’s unique beauty.

Omoluabi stressed the importance of vivid documentation, stating that beyond the sport itself, skateboarding encompasses the richness of diverse cultural and artistic representation.