By Christine Onwuachumba
At least, 150,000 Nigerian girls across the country within the next five years will be introduced to American football, equipped with essential life skills, and given leadership training and opportunities for long-term personal development.
The disclosure was made at the official launch of Gridiron Gems programme, organised by the Nigerian American Football Association (NAFA), in partnership with Browns Nigeria held in Lagos, towards promoting gender inclusion in sports and youth empowerment.
Wife of former Ondo State Governor, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, in her address, emphasised the need for girls to recognise their potentials and capabilities.
She was optimistic that the programmes would create an enabling environment, where girls could build their self-esteem, discover new strengths and develop crucial life skills.
Empowerment, according to her, is knowledge-based. She also drew attention to the importance of equipping young girls with the tools to improve their economic and social outcomes.
The NAFA President and co-founder, Babajide Akeredolu, stated that American football, despite its perception as a complex sport, is accessible to everyone.
He encouraged young girls to embrace the game. He noted that it provides an opportunity for both physical engagement and leadership development.
“American football is inclusive. It doesn’t matter your body type or height, everyone has a role to play,” he said.
Chief Executive Officer of Gameday, Lolia Kienka, urged the girls to use every opportunity that comes their way, both in sports and in life.
“Stand up for yourself. Know your worth and always strive to improve yourself. Pursue your passion without fear of societal limitations,” Kienka advised.
The NAFA legal representative and the programme coordinator, Nancy Damhindi, described Gridiron Gems as an athletic programme that fosters the growth of female athletes, coaches and referees.
She stated that the initiative’s long-term vision included training 10,000 women as coaches and referees.
Damhindi assured people that adequate steps had been taken to actively monitor and evaluate the progress of the programme to ensure the growth and sustainability of female participation in American football at all levels.
The event, which attracted prominent figures and stakeholders in sports, gender advocacy, and community development, featured a series of engaging panel discussions and breakout sessions.