Folajimi Abegunde is project coordinator of Pool Fest Naija, a six-day festival (September 2–7, 2025) at Silverbird Galleria, Lagos, featuring Nigeria’s largest 8-Ball Pool Tournament, two Guinness World Record attempts, and nonstop live entertainment. He is also the CEO of DUNKIT Limited, overseeing luxury fashion brands DUNKIT and True Patriot. With over 18 years’ experience in marketing, product development, and strategic management across Nigeria and the U.S., his past roles include CEO of FJ Williams Inc. and Marketing Manager at Cox Automotive, Atlanta. A Babcock University graduate with an MBA from Texas A&M’s Mays Business School, Abegunde is passionate about driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and national pride across business, fashion, and entertainment. In this interview with KENNETH ATHEKAME, he spoke about Pool Fest Naija, highlighting how it sets itself apart from other cultural and entertainment events in Nigeria. He explained the ways the festival will showcase the country’s creative industries from music to cultural performances. Excerpts:
What inspired the creation of Pool Fest Naija, and how does it differ from other cultural and entertainment events in Nigeria?
To be clear, Pool Fest Naija is a foundation for a larger vision, a larger dream for sporting entertainment in Nigeria. The goal is to create a meritocracy in not just the formal sectors, but the informal sectors in Nigeria. There is a general myth in Nigeria to the effect that you have to be a Doctor, Lawyer, Engineer, Architect etc. to be successful. We want to create a shift from this mindset by altering the mental model of Nigerians. We want to create shining examples of success stories in the informal sectors. Hence Pool Fest Naija, an event that features the largest 8-Ball Pool Competition in Nigerian history; a Guinness World Record Attempt; and live entertainment from your favorite comedians, DJs, Hype men, and other entertainers.
How would you describe the vision behind blending sport, music, culture, and community development in a single festival?
A key feature of POOL FEST NAIJA is the Guinness World Record attempt where Mr. Shehu Bamidele would attempt the Guinness World Record for the longest 8-Ball Pool Marathon by an individual. The target here is 120 hours, that is, five days non-stop. As a business continuity plan, we will also be having an 8-Ball Pool tournament. In order to keep the attention of participants, as well as the audience; we believe a fusion of entertainment creates unifying power, and would thus generate traction and galvanise participants. These would thus give the youth empowerment scheme the edge it needs to captivate the hearts and minds of Nigerians.
Why was the 8-ball pool chosen as the central sport for this festival, and what cultural or social relevance does it have in Nigeria?
8-Ball Pool is widely played in Nigeria, from local bars to sporting arenas. Additionally, 8-Ball Pool is one of those rare sports in which anyone can shine – from street corners, to the world stage.
In what ways does Pool Fest Naija aim to showcase Nigeria’s creative industries, from music to cultural performances?
Alongside established acts, Pool Fest Naija would also create a platform were talented up-and-coming artists can engage in life performances, thereby showcasing their skills. Every corner of Pool Fest Naija will tell a Nigerian story.
How are you integrating Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage into the festival’s programming?
A major sponsor of Pool Fest Naija is the True Patriot brand, a fashion line that utilises Nigerian cultural symbols to paint Nigeria in the best light possible both at home and abroad. As such, the venue will be adorned with Nigerian cultural symbols courtesy of the True Patriot brand.
The festival promises extensive media coverage. How do you plan to use this visibility to project Nigeria’s creative and entertainment potential globally?
The goal here is to present the best of Nigeria to the whole wide world via these media channels. Our culture, our heritage, our talented people, our multiple forms of entertainment etc. All these would be projected to the world.
Will there be collaborations with Nigerian filmmakers, content creators, or digital media platforms during the event?
There will be all of these and more. Again, we are creating a platform that promotes creativity in all forms. As such, while we are already collaborating with filmmakers, content creators, and digital media platforms; we welcome anyone and everyone with creative ideas to join our movement. Visit Poolfestng.Com for information on how to contact us, get involved, get your voices heard. Join our movement today!
How do you intend to make the live music and cultural showcases stand out in an already vibrant Nigerian entertainment scene?
While we concede that the entertainment scene is vibrant, we also believe that entertainment is not, and should not be static. We will be providing a platform that provides for dynamism such that talented people can try out new things. We are not just putting acts on stage – we are creating moments people will talk about for years.
The Guinness World Record attempt is a unique element. What does achieving this mean for Nigeria’s profile in global sports entertainment?
It drives the point home that Nigerians are multitalented people and that Nigerians are capable of conquering the world.
What measures are being taken to ensure the 120-hour marathon meets strict international standards?
Between July 10 and July 13, 2025 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos; we carried out a test-run, a simulation of actual stipulated Guinness World Record conditions in real time. The test-run thus provided learning opportunities on perfecting the actual event. We are well prepared for the main event, and will definitely follow the guidelines in a strict manner.
Beyond the record, what legacy do you want this event to leave in Nigeria’s entertainment calendar?
The legacy we are trying to create is a meritocracy where anyone, anywhere in Nigeria can attain success, be in the limelight, and attain fortune and fame irrespective of their background.
The CSR sponsorship model is quite innovative. What response have you received from Nigerian companies so far?
The CSR model is one in which we encourage corporate entities to sponsor up to 40 underprivileged individuals by purchasing tickets for these underprivileged people to participate in the largest 8-Ball Pool tournament in Nigerian history. We have received some responses so far, but we a way behind in reaching our target numbers. As such, I am utilizing this medium to call on corporate entities to join this historic movement by working with us as enablers of the dreams, and the removers of financial barriers of underprivileged Nigerians that are enthusiastic about 8-Ball Pool. These individuals will be adorned in your branded apparel while participating in the event, and while broadcasting across innumerable media channels; your charitable contributions would be acclaimed throughout the course of the event.
How do you see corporate partnerships shaping the future of creative-sport collaborations in Nigeria?
The role of corporate entities – in sports development in Nigeria cannot be overstated. To achieve our vision for our country, we need the participation of businesses of all kinds, and in a wide variety of industries. A common challenge I face in pitching ideas to corporate entities is that a lot of corporations often say they only sponsor education, and healthcare related causes. We are trying to create an alternative path to success that doesn’t necessarily leave out education, but doesn’t wholly dwell on education. With my background of schooling in America, I understand the impact sports can have on growing Nigeria’s economy especially through keen corporate participation. We are trying to transplant to successes of the sporting industry in the United States to Nigeria, and corporate partnerships are a guaranteed way to achieve success in this venture.
What impact do you hope the corporate staff participation option will have on brand engagement and workplace culture?
We are also encouraging corporate entities to purchase tickets for participating in the 8-Ball Pool Tournament for personnel. This will lead to employee engagement where employees can be motivated, and rewarded; networking with other participating corporate entities; interactions with participating underprivileged individuals etc. in return the corporate entity will get unmatched brand exposure at the event.
What role can events like Pool Fest Naija play in growing Nigeria’s creative economy?
Filling up arenas anywhere in the world creates economic ripple effects. People will need to be transported to and from the arena; people will also likely purchase food & drinks. In terms of showing support for the competing parties, or causes, people may put on apparels associated with these. People may also come from far and wide; may need hotel accommodation. All these create economic opportunities that can grow the Nigerian economy.
Are there plans to make Pool Fest Naija an annual fixture, and how might it expand in future editions?
Yes, there are plans to make Pool Fest Naija a constant event. In fact, there are plans to venture into other sports that have high entertainment value. So, keep watching out for us. We plan to bring all kinds of miscellaneous contest, and events to Nigeria in perpetuity.
How are you ensuring inclusivity so people from different backgrounds and regions can participate?
We are an equal opportunity organization with the goal of creating a meritocracy. My apologies for the repetition, but I cannot help but emphasise how important creating a meritocracy is for us. We believe people should be judged by their talents, and their skill level; not by where they come from, or the religion they practise.
What unique experiences should audiences both physical and virtual expect during the festival?
They can expect a one-of-a-kind event. Something positive that they have never experienced in Nigeria before.
