Tony Kona Fele, Chief Executive Officer of Scalepea-Mah Development Association (SAMDA), has reaffirmed his ambition to collaborate with the Nigerian chapter to elevate the non-profit into a globally recognised organisation.
Mr Fele made these remarks in response to the forthcoming launch of SAMDA Nigeria, which will commence with a press conference on 9 April, followed by a football tournament for under-13 boys and girls from 12 to 16 April at Opebi Primary School, Ikeja, Lagos State.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s role, Mr Fele commented, “I am thrilled that the launch is finally happening after such a long wait. I am confident we will achieve great success. I encourage all team members to invite as many former footballers as possible to volunteer their expertise to help shape the future of African football through SAMDA. Our vision is to expand across many African nations.
“Nigeria is one of the strongest Black nations globally, with all the elements necessary to compete among major players worldwide. Those of us engaged in politics recognise Nigeria as Africa’s gold. What Nigeria currently requires is exceptional leadership capable of articulating the nation’s needs effectively, much like Obama did. If this occurs, the nation’s potential will be realised.
“My appeal to Nigeria is simple: I want to collaborate with Nigerians to strengthen SAMDA on the world stage. By doing so respectfully, we can make history, supporting disadvantaged children, improving household livelihoods, developing a competitive national football team, training e-footballers to become coaches and managers across Africa, and more.”
The Formation of SAMDA
Mr Fele reflected on SAMDA’s inception, highlighting its objectives, continental impact, immediate goals, and geographical reach.
“SAMDA is a community development nonprofit organization. The idea originated in June 2010, following my defeat in a local USA-based election for Nimba County citizens. I wanted to use my vision to inspire fellow Nimba County residents in the USA and others with similar goals to join me in impacting our district and other communities.
“Initially, mobilising support from citizens in different countries proved challenging, and only a few from Saclepea-Mah District joined the cause. After several meetings, SAMDA was formally established as a 501(c)(3) non-profit in North Carolina on 15 August 2010, receiving government approval on 25 October 2013.”
Core Objectives and Achievements
“The organisation’s core aim is community development through our 12 Pillar Programmes, listed on our website, with a primary focus on youth and women’s development.
“To date, we have built foundational teams in various countries, activating initiatives such as the Total Involvement for Higher Height High School Soccer Tournament across six counties in Liberia and the Nursing Recruitment Programme in 2025. Similar projects have been launched in Bamanda, Cameroon; Accra, Ghana; Brazzaville and Kinshasa, Congo; and forthcoming initiatives include grassroots games in Nigeria, followed by projects in Ivory Coast, Guinea, Senegal, and Kenya this year.”
Five-Year Vision
“In the next five years, we aim to broaden our reach through interstate and international competitions. With support from NBA and NFL stars, we plan to host major university tournaments, recruit more African nurses for underserved areas globally, and launch the SAMDA Gladiators and Gladiatrice Games to cultivate African talent. We also aim to train sporting journalists and coaches to serve the continent, raise funds for infrastructure, and ensure sustainable staffing.”
SAMDA Offices in Africa
“SAMDA currently operates in 26 countries and is expanding rapidly. Legal processes in some countries are ongoing. We maintain central offices in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, for French-speaking partners and Johannesburg, South Africa, for English-speaking partners.”
Ensemble nous vaincrons
Nous vaincrons ensemble 🤝