Sports
Utaka Foundation to Empower Nigerian Youths through Sports and Education
In a renewed effort to support less privileged Nigerian youths, former Super Eagles star John Utaka, through his John Utaka Foundation, has unveiled plans to empower young Nigerians by providing access to quality education and opportunities to realize their potential through sports.
Unveiling the Foundation’s 2025 programme lineup, Utaka reaffirmed his belief that every child deserves a fair chance to succeed, regardless of background or circumstance.
“Imagine a world where every child has access to quality education and opportunities to thrive,” Utaka said. “At the John Utaka Foundation, we are dedicated to turning that vision into reality.”
The John Utaka Foundation (JUF) is a non-governmental organization committed to empowering underprivileged children in Nigeria through sports and education. Founded by John Chukwudi Utaka, the Foundation continues to champion youth development, community service, and social inclusion through a range of impactful initiatives.
Key Focus Areas: Football Development: The Foundation operates a football academy that nurtures young talents, instills discipline, and promotes teamwork and healthy lifestyles.
Sports Tournaments: It organizes local and international competitions to promote excellence, unity, and global exposure among young athletes.
Community Support: The Foundation provides essential donations — including sports equipment, educational materials, food, toiletries, and other necessities — to disadvantaged children and families.
Utaka called on well-meaning Nigerians, corporate organizations, and international partners to support the Foundation’s vision of giving every child a fair start in life.
“Every donation helps us sustain and expand our programmes,” he noted. “With your support, we can provide educational resources to underprivileged children, equip our football academy with modern facilities, and organize more tournaments that inspire hope and inclusion.”
He emphasized that collective action can drive real change:
“Together, we can build a brighter future for Nigeria and Africa’s next generation. Every naira counts — your contribution brings us one step closer to transforming lives.”
Supporters are encouraged to donate through the Foundation’s GoFundMe campaign or directly to its official bank account to help sustain ongoing projects and reach more communities.
Upcoming Project: The John Utaka Foundation Football Tour.
As part of its 2025 activities, the Foundation is raising funds to sponsor its male and female youth football teams on a life-changing football and educational tour to France.
According to the organizers, the tour goes beyond football matches — it represents exposure, cultural exchange, and opportunity.
“It’s a chance for our young players to learn, grow, and be seen on an international stage,” Utaka explained. “Your support today will help shape the champions of tomorrow.”
The foundation in recent years has already partnered various institutions of learning including Newgate University, Minna as well as Brighter Schools, Along western bypass road, Minna, Niger state among others to enable young footballers combine their sports with education but this initiative will give the Youths the opportunity to take their game and education outside the shores of this country.
The foundation has also signed a partnership agreement with ASPTT Montpellier of France to collaborate on football development initiative, recruit and develop young football players
He appealed for public support:
“Imagine if 100,000 Nigerians each donated just ₦1,000 — together, we could change countless lives. We are looking for 500,000 Nigerians to support this dream with a donation of ₦1,000 or more.”
Donation Details
Account Name: John Utaka Foundation
Bank: GTB
Account Number: 0123714902
Please donate and share to help us empower the next generation.
Sports
PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon Earns World Athletics Label
Nigeria’s foremost Sports Company, Nilayo Sports Management Limited (NSML) has announced the second edition of the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon, set to light up Nigeria’s capital city on Saturday, December 6, 2025.
With the theme “Steady Strides,” this year’s race captures the measured rhythm and determined pace that define world-class long-distance running, a reflection of the steady progress and ambitious vision shaping the marathon’s evolution into a global platinum-labelled event.
In a historic milestone for Nigerian sports, the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon has been officially awarded the prestigious World Athletics Label for its second edition, a distinction achieved in record time. This remarkable feat makes it the first marathon globally to earn the label so swiftly, underscoring both the organizational excellence of NSML and the dynamic rise of PremiumTrust Bank, currently celebrated as Nigeria’s fastest-growing commercial bank.
The 2025 edition is expected to attract elite international athletes, top local runners, and marathon enthusiasts from around the world, alongside officials from World Athletics who will oversee the competition.
Speaking on the announcement, Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Yetunde Olopade, expressed excitement about the unique partnership with PremiumTrust Bank.
“This second edition is fundamentally unique because it represents the first-ever true super-partnership on such a dynamic sports property in our nation and arguably, globally. PremiumTrust Bank is not just a sponsor but the sole partner anchoring the establishment, organization, and consolidation of a global marathon in Nigeria’s capital city.
” We are proud and grateful for the bank’s visionary leadership, which not only recognized the immense potential of the first edition but is now single-handedly driving the race toward international acclaim.”
Managing Director of PremiumTrust Bank, Dr. Emmanuel Efe Emefienim (CON) emphasized the shared values underpinning the partnership.
“PremiumTrust Bank is built on the philosophy of rapid, impactful, and sustainable growth, and the theme of this year’s marathon perfectly reflects our operational ethos.”
“Attaining World Athletics Label status in just the second year validates that our investment is yielding world-class outcomes. We are deeply proud to be the sole partner building this monumental legacy, reinforcing our commitment to sports development, community wellbeing, excellence, and platforms where champions are made.”
The PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon 2025 promises to be a spectacular celebration of endurance, athleticism, and community spirit, further strengthening Abuja’s status on the global racing calendar.
Registration for participants is currently open as it promises to be another marathon spectacle on the 6th of December 2025.
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