The Asisat Oshoala Academy, a beacon of hope and empowerment for young girls in Nigeria, recently orchestrated a transformative event as part of its Sports, Humanitarian, and Education (SHE) Project. Held at Obele Secondary School in Surulere, a recognized hub for sporting activities, the Children’s Day program brought together nearly 100 girls from neighboring communities, offering them a diverse range of enriching experiences designed to equip them with essential life skills and inspire them to become future leaders. The carefully curated program encompassed a variety of activities, including self-defense training through Taekwondo, leadership development workshops facilitated by the Youth Empowerment Foundation, crucial CPR training, and vital personal hygiene education. This holistic approach aimed to empower the next generation of young women by providing them with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
The strategic selection of Surulere as the venue for the event holds significant weight. Known as a “sports city,” Surulere presented an ideal environment for reaching a large concentration of young girls passionate about athletics. By choosing Obele Odan High School and Ideal High School as partner institutions, the Asisat Oshoala Academy ensured broader access to the SHE Project’s valuable resources and opportunities, maximizing its impact on the community. This targeted approach underscores the academy’s commitment to identifying and nurturing grassroots talent, further exemplified by the discovery of Janet Akekeromowei, the 2025 Most Valuable Player of the Nigerian Women’s League, at a previous academy event. Akekeromowei’s journey from a participant in an academy program to a recognized national talent serves as a powerful testament to the effectiveness of the academy’s talent identification and development initiatives.
The SHE Project’s comprehensive approach extends beyond sports, encompassing a broader vision of holistic development for young girls. The inclusion of Taekwondo training provides participants with practical self-defense skills, empowering them to protect themselves and fostering a sense of confidence and self-reliance. Complementing this physical empowerment, the program also prioritizes personal hygiene education, equipping girls with essential knowledge to maintain their well-being and make informed decisions about their health. This multifaceted approach underscores the academy’s understanding that true empowerment requires addressing both physical and social needs, equipping young women with the knowledge and skills to thrive in all aspects of their lives.
Emzor Pharmaceuticals, a vital partner of the SHE Project, played a key role in the event, leading a session on deworming and public health awareness. Their commitment to the initiative stems from a shared belief in the transformative power of Asisat Oshoala, a role model for aspiring female athletes in Nigeria. By partnering with the Asisat Oshoala Foundation, Emzor Pharmaceuticals demonstrates its commitment to supporting initiatives that empower young women and contribute to the overall development of the community. Their participation highlights the collaborative nature of the SHE Project and the importance of partnerships in achieving its ambitious goals.
The impact of the SHE Project on the participants is evident in their testimonials. Yekini Eniola, a student at Obele High School, expressed gratitude for acquiring life-saving skills through the CPR training, demonstrating the practical and potentially life-altering benefits of the program. Another participant, Lara Zainab of Ideal High School, spoke about the inspiration she gained from the training, expressing a newfound desire to become an agent of change in her community. These personal accounts highlight the profound impact of the SHE Project on the lives of the participants, instilling not only practical skills but also a sense of purpose and empowerment.
Now in its third year, the SHE Project continues to expand its reach, having touched communities across Ikorodu, Ibeju-Lekki, Epe, and Ikotun. The program’s success in uncovering hidden talent and fostering leadership among girls has paved the way for further expansion into more densely populated areas across Lagos. With its comprehensive approach to empowerment, the SHE Project is making a tangible difference in the lives of young girls, creating a brighter future for them and their communities. The ongoing expansion of the program promises to reach even more young women, amplifying its impact and strengthening its position as a catalyst for positive change.
