Part 1: Before C4AIK — A Story of Passion, Purpose, and Service

C4AIK began in 2019, after I had started FIDAF, INGOsphere9ja and Marketsphere9ja. However, the idea behind C4AIK began much earlier.

In 2010, while working on the USAID MARKETS project, implemented by Chemonics International, I noticed important gaps in the development sector. These gaps inspired two major ideas.

The need for sector-specific learning

First, I saw the need for a training centre that would help Nigerians understand the context, dynamics and ethics applicable to NGOs and development organisations. When people lack sector-specific knowledge, they often turn to commercial training providers. Unfortunately, some facilitators do not fully understand the development sector and applicable work requirements, so participants return without practical or adaptive knowledge they can apply to their work.

Building stronger relationships

Second, I noticed that the demanding nature of development work left little room for meaningful relationships among colleagues and organisations. Many organisations worked in isolation, even though stronger relationships and collaboration could create greater development impact.

With the approval and support of my then Country Director, Tim Prewitt, I registered my first organisation and explained the vision behind it. The following year, FIDAF was registered and held its first tournament in August 2011.

The maiden event brought together 14 organisations, including the EFCC, the United Nations, the British Council, USAID, the United States Embassy, the Embassy of Mali, the African Development Bank, DFID and several implementing partners. The event was supported by AXA Mansard, Airtel and other organisations.

It took place at the Mediterranean Recreation Centre in Asokoro, Abuja. Celestine Babayaro was the special guest, while the Country Director of IFDC served as the special Master of Ceremonies. Other Country Directors were also represented, and some participated in the games.

For many organisations, the tournament created an opportunity to truly get to know one another, relax and enjoy the moment. For eight days, participants cheered their teams to victory and encouraged one another as teams gradually dropped out and winners emerged.

The EFCC won the first FIDAF football trophy in 2011.

FIDAF grows beyond football

FIDAF stands for the Federation of International Development Agencies Football Tournament. Over the years, it has grown beyond football to include several other sporting and recreational activities, while also encouraging greater participation by women.

These activities now include volleyball, badminton, table tennis, relay races, tug-of-war, Ludo, Scrabble, chess, draughts, WHOT and other card games, as well as basketball.

Nearly 15 years later, one generation of participants has moved on, making way for a new generation entering the development sector. Some organisations now have dedicated work-life-balance budgets that support their teams to participate in the FIDAF tournament.

A passion that became purpose

FIDAF began during a period when I needed to channel the pressure of my work into something positive. At first, some of my colleagues did not understand my passion. At one point, I was even expected to appear before a panel to explain why I was organising FIDAF.

That meeting was eventually cancelled because my then Country Director, Tim Prewitt, supported the vision. He was especially proud that the idea had come from someone within his own team. People in his professional network were asking him to participate, and he could proudly tell them that the entire idea had come from within his organisation.

To this day, people still ask why I continue with the tournament. My answer is simple: FIDAF is first a passion. Seeing the excitement on people’s faces during those eight days—and hearing them wish that the tournament could continue for even longer—gives me great joy.

FIDAF is not a profit-making venture. It is a product of passion and a desire to bring people together.

It is my first effort to make an impact in the development sector beyond my immediate organisation.

Over the years, I have invested a significant amount of my own money into this passion. FIDAF has demanded time, energy and personal resources, but I have continued because I believe in the value of bringing people together and strengthening relationships within the development sector.

Today, my training hall serves as the current venue for the annual draws. This has given the initiative an even stronger connection to my broader vision of learning, community and service.

FIDAF continues to remind me that meaningful impact can begin with a simple passion and grow through commitment, sacrifice and service.