Italy said it is strengthening diplomatic engagement with Nigeria by investing in youth development and people-to-people exchanges.

In addition, the Italian Consulate General’s U-20 football tournament, it said, is emerging as a platform for cultural diplomacy beyond traditional state relations.

The initiative, championed by Italy’s Consul General in Lagos, Ugo Boni, has been described as a demonstration of how modern diplomacy can extend beyond political negotiations and trade agreements to focus on grassroots engagement, cultural exchange and youth empowerment.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of Rudder Sports Management Limited, Babatunde Omijeh, the tournament reflects a growing recognition that lasting bilateral relationships are built through shared experiences among ordinary citizens rather than official meetings alone.

Omijeh noted that Nigeria and Italy have long enjoyed cordial relations through trade, education, investment and cultural cooperation, but argued that stronger ties can be achieved by creating opportunities for young people to interact, develop skills and build friendships.

He said the tournament provides Nigerian youths with a professionally organised platform that promotes discipline, teamwork, leadership and inclusion, while exposing participants to Italy’s rich sporting and cultural heritage.

Beyond football, Omijeh said the initiative represents Italy’s commitment to investing in the aspirations of young Nigerians and demonstrates the growing role of soft power in international diplomacy.

He added that youth-focused programmes contribute to peacebuilding, social cohesion and community development, while opening pathways for educational exchanges, business partnerships and broader cultural cooperation.

Omijeh urged other diplomatic missions in Nigeria to adopt similar initiatives, arguing that youth-centred cultural and sporting engagements would complement conventional diplomacy and deliver lasting social and developmental benefits.

He maintained that the Italian Consulate General’s approach illustrates how diplomacy can become more inclusive, accessible and impactful by strengthening grassroots connections between nations and fostering goodwill among future generations.

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