The Karate Federation of Nigeria (KFN) and the South African Karate Federation have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on technical support for athletes, personnel, and officials of both countries.
The MoU was signed in Abuja after a successful hosting of the 2025 Karate African Championship, which was held from 26th to 27th July, 2025 at the Velodrome, package A of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
Speaking with the media after the signing, the President of KFN, Silas Agara, who described the partnership as a turning point for Nigeria, said the MoU will not only enhance the technical development of Nigerian officials but also create a platform for athletes and personnel to train in South Africa and vice versa.
Agara, a former deputy governor of Nasarawa State said, “Mr Pillay has developed karate to an enviable level in South Africa. And today, we just signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the South African Karate Federation and the Nigerian Karate Federation, which will enhance technical partnership and sharpen the skills of our technical officials here in Nigeria.
“That means South Africa has certainly gone to a new level when it comes to karate. South Africa is at the top, and we are looking forward to an elder brother like South Africa when it comes to karate. And with this relationship today and the MoU that has just been signed, that means we are going to have technical collaboration between the South African Karate Federation and the Nigerian Karate Federation.”
He added, “There would be an exchange of personnel, officials and athletes between these two countries. Athletes will have the opportunity to go to South Africa to compete and to be trained. We would see officials from South Africa coming to Nigeria to equally sharpen the skills of our technical experts. We are grateful for the visit, and I look forward to fulfilling this MoU to the glory of both countries.”
Commending Agara’s leadership qualities and, in particular, the successful hosting of the championship, President of the South African Karate Federation, Sonny Pillay, later inducted Agara into the Commonwealth Karate Organisation.
He called on Agara to step up and take a leadership role in the Commonwealth Karate Federation, saying his leadership qualities and organisational acumen are needed at that level.
“We’ll probably bring the karate team to Nigeria annually to participate in invitational championships and vice versa. I’m always ready to bring the technical team to Nigeria to give support on the technical side and I’m sure I speak for President Silas as well. So we are now pledging that we are moving into partnership, and we’re going to work together.
“I see a very senior position for a gentleman like President Silas, who has done a magnificent job in taking karate in Nigeria to the next level through the activities he has been promoting. The recent Africa UFAC Championships in Abuja will remain etched in our memories for generations to come because of its world-class standard,” Pillay, who is President, Commonwealth Karate Federation and vice president, All Africa Karate Federation, said.
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