By Aderonke Ojo
In the bustling streets of Gyakan District, Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria, where despair often lurks in the shadows, Sylvester Phadion discovered a beacon of hope on wheels.
Born at the NDA Military Barracks in Kaduna State to a military parent, Phadion’s early years took a dramatic turn when, as tradition demanded in Kwah culture, he was sent to live with his grandparents in Gyakan community of Adamawa state.
What began as a quiet life in a rural community would eventually evolve into a remarkable journey of transformation, purpose, and advocacy — powered by the freedom of skating.
Growing up in a region scarred by insurgency, economic instability, and limited opportunities, Phadion was surrounded by peers who turned to drugs and crime to cope with hopelessness. But instead of succumbing to despair, he found an unconventional escape — skating.
“In a community where despair seemed ubiquitous, skating became my refuge,” Phadion recalls. “While others found comfort in alcohol or drugs, I found joy and freedom on wheels.”
Motivated by this personal transformation, he founded the Unity Skaters Club of Nigeria, a grassroots initiative that brings young people together to “skate away depression.” Through the club, Phadion mentors youths, promoting mental health awareness, peacebuilding, and civic engagement.
What began as a neighbourhood pastime has now become a national movement for youth empowerment and mental health advocacy.
Through Unity Skaters Club, Phadion has organised several major national events, including:
Discovery Contest Abuja 2015,Skating King of the Street 2016,Abuja Skating Color Blast 2016 ,Skatember Uni-Ilori 2017,Next Level skating championship 2018,National Grassroot Festival 2018,The Street is Watching 2019,Online Skating challenge 2020,Skatement 2021,Lagos Nuga skatement 2022,Skate Abuja 2023 & Skate-A-Thon Calabar 2024
Skate against hunger in Malkohi IDPs Yola 2025 and most recent one
Fresh Air Skating Championship Yola held on the 3rd – 4th October, 2025 which made the Adamawa state Government to make a public post on his official handles commending the positive effort of Phadion Sylvester and the Unity Skaters Club of Nigeria in general.
The event hosted about 800 skaters from 33 states of the federation including Lagos State and the FCT. Winners were empowered with cash prizes from each disciplines in four different categories.
The skaters competed on 10 discipline with each star event with a cash reward of a Million naira. About 10 million naira was shared among winners, feeding was provided by the I Choose Life Foundation, accommodation was provided by the Adamawa state Sports council.
Sinnt Tech support the event with a million naira and stage branding while the remaining expenses was self sponsored by the organizer with little support from friends and associate.
Each event addresses social issues such as drug abuse, extremism, and community development using skating as a platform for dialogue and positive change.
“I introduced skating to my friends as an alternative to street life,” he explains. “It’s about giving young people something meaningful — something that gives them identity and hope.
Despite Nigeria’s limited sporting infrastructure, Phadion’s talent and leadership have attracted international recognition. His passion for skating earned him invitations to South Korea and Germany for international sports development programmes, where he represented Nigeria and gained global exposure.
He visited Amsterdam, France, and Germany, learning from both winter and summer sports systems, before deciding to return home to implement his knowledge locally.
On 7 December 2025, Phadion Sylvester will attempt to set and break two Guinness World Records:
Fastest Snake Sideways Slalom on 500 Cones in Inline Skates (New Record)
Fastest 20-Cone Slalom in Inline Skates (Existing Record)
The event will take place at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, in commemoration of International Civil Aviation Day. Both attempts will be conducted in a designated indoor concourse area to ensure minimal disruption to airport operations.
But this attempt is not just about records — it’s about rebuilding a forgotten community. Phadion’s goal is to raise funds to:
Drill 20 boreholes across Gyakan District (Suwa Ward, Lamurde LGA)
Renovate Gyakan Secondary School
Build a healthcare centre for Gyakan and Kwah communities
Establish an ICT Centre for youth empowerment
“My people have no access to clean water, healthcare, or youth opportunities. Skating gave me a voice — now I’m using it to give my community hope,” Phadion says.
Gyakan and Kwah communities face immense challenges — lack of clean water, absence of healthcare facilities, insecurity affecting farming, and political neglect. According to Phadion, “There has been no single project from any elected lawmaker or local council chairman in my community.”
Yet, he remains undeterred. His mission is to turn the despair of his people into inspiration for national change — one wheel at a time.
Phadion’s leadership and advocacy have earned him several notable awards, including:
Best Volunteer Award – Project Pink Blue
Humanitarian Award of Courage – I Choose Life Foundation
Most Influential Male Award – Baze University Abuja
Peace Ambassador Award – Foundation for Peace
Phadion recently graduated from Baze University, Abuja (November 2024) with a B.Sc. in Government and Public Administration, finishing among the top students in his department. While in school, he served as Executive Secretary of the Student Representative Council (SRC) and was active in student leadership and advocacy.
He also worked at the National Assembly during the 9th Assembly as a Legislative Aide, gaining valuable experience in governance and youth inclusion in politics. As the Head of Community Engagement and Rallies in the Act Now Campaign, he played a key role in mobilising young people for civic participation.
Today, as the Founder and CEO of the Unity Skaters Club of Nigeria, Phadion leads a community of over 10 million active skaters nationwide — proof that one individual’s determination can spark a national movement.
From the dusty roads of Adamawa to the corridors of international recognition, Phadion Sylvester’s journey is a story of resilience, passion, and purpose. His vision transcends sports — it is about rebuilding communities, inspiring young people, and proving that no dream is too small to change the world.
“The hardship in my community fuels my determination,” Phadion says. “Every glide, every spin, every record attempt is for them — to prove that hope can roll faster than despair.”