“It’s going to be an exciting decade,” Maro Itoje, the captain of Saracens, a professional rugby club based in North London, says on a Friday afternoon Zoom call with FORBES AFRICA.
Itoje, described by Forbes as “English rugby’s most dominant defensive player”, shares his vision for the next decade as he approaches his 30th birthday later this month. He was also on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe Sports & Games list in 2021.
“I want to always look forward to the future. Hopefully, in my 30s, I’ll have an increased sense of wisdom and be able to make wise decisions.’’
Itoje’s dual identity as both Nigerian and English has been a focal point of his journey. “There have been some very prestigious names on that list. And now I’m approaching the last few months of my 20s. I’m proud and honored. In terms of impact, it’s a great recognition for some of the work and effort that I’ve put in,” he says from London, against a bold, artistic backdrop that complements his casual yet intentional appearance in a dark Under Armour shirt — a nod to the sportswear brand that has been his sponsor for years.
Amid the global challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, Itoje did not hesitate to step up. He helped distribute laptops to disadvantaged children while advocating for a fresh perspective on the United Kingdom’s history curriculum in schools.
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This commitment to education led to the establishment of his charity foundation, the Pearl Fund: The Maro Itoje African Education Programme, which aims to generate multi-million-pound investments in education across Nigeria and wider Africa. Celebrating its first anniversary, the fund supports 40 children, many of whom are fatherless or orphans, providing them with comprehensive educational assistance from “cradle to college”.
Speaking about his recent visit to Platform College in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, where the beneficiaries are enrolled, Itoje expresses immense pride in the progress made. “It’s been a journey of growth and elevation,” he states, explaining the changes in the children’s demeanor and attitudes over the past year. “The target for the Pearl Fund is to grow in a sustainable fashion. We want to have consistent fundraising. We would love to get corporate partners and long-term committed individuals who would like to support and help make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged children in Nigeria.”
Although the Pearl Fund also supports World Vision UK’s education projects in Ghana, Itoje made an unrelated stop in the country, where he got engaged to his partner, model Mimi Fall, after visiting Nigeria.
“…for the last two years, I’ve spent time in both Ghana and Nigeria. The aim is to visit Nigeria at least once every year. My recent trip to Ghana wasn’t for anything specific — it was more about relaxing.”
Itoje’s passion for philanthropy is paralleled by his love for rugby. “I still have a lot of rugby left in me,” he says, eager to achieve personal and team goals with Saracens and the England national team. “I’m a believer that if you think something’s important, then you find the time to do it.”
He is also committed to further supporting African artists through the Akoje Residency, a non-profit initiative he co-founded with Khalil Akar to foster artistic exchange between countries. ‘’I just want to spend a bit more time on the continent. I enjoy being back, so hopefully, I can have a more stable footing there. It’s all about growth and looking forward to the future.”
As he embarks on this new chapter, Itoje aims to engage more with the Nigerian community both at home and abroad, building strong connections to facilitate fundraising and support. “For other athletes looking to do something similar, I would encourage them to find a cause that is close to their heart.’’
As for any upcoming projects, he says, “None that are worthy of talking about at this stage.”
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