The Footprints to Greatness (F2G) Football Tournament & Youth Empowerment Program debuted with a groundbreaking symposium at the Sir Molade Okoya Thomas Indoor Sports Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere on Thursday 27th of February 2025.
The program was Themed “Empowering Youth Through Sports: Unlocking Vocational Education for Sustainable Development,” the event brought together key figures from sports, government, and the private sector to highlight the role of vocational skills and sports development in youth empowerment.
Keynote addresses were delivered by Mr. Lekan Fatodu (DG, Lagos State Sports Commission, represented by Mr. Deji Aladegbemi) and Mrs. Oluyemi Kalesanwo (Perm. Sec., Ministry of Women Affairs & Poverty Alleviation, represented by Mrs. Olajumoke Ajao).
The panel featured Dr. Abolore Abdulrahmon, Engr. Ken Ochonogor, Ifeanyi Udeze, Anthony Bekederemo, Miss Amarachi Lilian Ezeabasili, Jide Olaniran, Yetunde Akin-Taylor, and Barrister Tunji Brown, moderated by Sola Rogers and Ojeikere Aikhoje.
Ex-international Ifeanyi Udeze and former Enyimba FC coach Yemi Olanrewaju urged young athletes to embrace vocational skills as a backup plan, emphasizing that sports careers are unpredictable.
Founder of Motiva Sports, Babajimi Ogunlana, reaffirmed F2G’s commitment to empowering Lagos youth through sports and skill acquisition.
The multi-phase annual program continues with Soft Skills Training in March and the Football Tournament in April 2025.
Supported by Akin Abraham Engineering, Owu Sportswear, Teworh Rockstar Academy, Stingo360 Entertainment, MatchRoom Football Business Academy, Fish For Life Foundation, Eminent Graphics, and TFA Garments & Prints.
F2G aims to impact over 3,000 youths through training, mentorship, and career opportunities.
Interested participants can register at Divisional Football Association Offices or online via www.motivasports.ng/register.
With 80 football teams, 18 vocational disciplines, and an audience of over 100,000, F2G is set to redefine sports development and youth empowerment in Nigeria.
