Sports

African children talent Discovery Foundation adopts two Athletes

Published

5 years ago

June 12, 2021

The Adopt and an Athlete Initiative of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development under the administration of Mr. Sunday Dare has been given a big boost by the African Children Talent Discovery Foundation which adopted two Olympics- bound athletes.

The athletes include, Patience and Elizabeth Ahanacho were both adopted by the Foundation on Friday during an impressive ceremony at the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development in Abuja.

According to the Minister, Mr. Sunday Dare the Adopt an Athletes initiative came to be 18 months ago after some research on what the major challenges of Nigerian Athletes have been over the years; lack of welfare and lack of support. Since the Government cannot provide all the resources, there is need for a template that will bring about the collaboration between the private sector and the government by creating a pathway for direct funding for Nigerian Athletes.

The African Children Talent Discovery Foundation led by Engineer Noah Dallaji decided to adopt Patience George in Athletics and Elizabeth Anyanacho In Taekwondo to the tune of $10,000 each to boost their Olympics preparations.

The Minister, while commending the African Children Talent Discovery Foundation said “The Ministry is going to use the Chairman of the Foundation Engineer Noah Dallaji as a sign post for several other Nigerians who have the capacity and resources to lift a hand in support of Nigerian Athletes not just as we go to the Olympics, but more importantly because it is the way forward for sports development.

Despite the COVID-19 outbreak that slowed down the world as well as the rhythm with which the Adopt An Athlete Initiative kick started, I am glad that it has picked up again and as speak today we had about 14 athletes adopted and with another 2 today making 16 in a timely fashion is a big boost not just to our Athletes but to Nigerian sports development and the entirety of the sports community. For the first time we are having Nigerians step forward to invest in our talents and support them to attain podium performances. Therefore, I thank the African Children Talent Discovery Foundation (ACTDF) for this vision, for me it is brilliant and we hope to have a long lasting relationship with the Foundation. Sports Development is not episodal but it entails finding the talents, nurturing them and making them world beaters”

In his response, the Chairman of the African Children Talent Discovery Foundation, Engineer Noah Dallaji said “I am just meeting Patience Okon-George for the first time and that’s one of our policies, we adopt based on merit, this is the way to incorporate the young people in every country which makes them channel their energies into positive things which in turn makes the nation at large proud”

This foundation also has Nigerian sports legends such as Daniel Amokachi, Emmanuel Babayaro, Tijani Babangida amongst others.

Patience Okon-George expressed appreciation to the Minister and the Foundation for birthing the initiative, while making a commitment to keep the Nation’s flag flying for podium performances: “I am very excited because this is what I have been longing for and I promise to make this Foundation and our great country Nigeria proud and I will do my best to get to that podium”

The money has been paid directly into the account of the athletes.

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Sports

AACT 2026: Girls in Golf initiatives kick Start week-long Activities.

Published

10 hours ago

November 2, 2026

The Gleamer

The week-long activities designed as part of 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy got underway Monday with Girls in Golf initiative.

The Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria, LGAN says initiative will empower young girls and inspire the next generation of female golfers in Nigeria.

Dr Lami Ahmed, LGAN President and Chairperson, Local Organising Committee for the All Africa Challenge Trophy said this during a training programme for no fewer than 60 young girls at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.

Ahmed said the initiative was designed to extend golf’s impact beyond competition by investing in young people and creating opportunities for their development.

“We believe that charity calls on us to touch lives and invest in others. Golf is not just about playing the game; it is also about giving back to society,” she said.

She explained that the future of women’s golf depended on introducing girls to the sport early and providing them with the skills and opportunities to excel.

Dr Lami said the Girls in Golf initiative was designed to introduce young girls to the sport, ignite their interest and expose them to the opportunities available through golf.

According to her, the initiative will also help girls develop valuable skills, build confidence and make informed decisions about their future careers.

Ahmed said the association had observed an increase in the number of female caddies across the country, making it necessary to create structured pathways for girls interested in golf.

She added that the initiative would encourage girls to explore different opportunities within the sport, including playing professionally and pursuing other golf-related careers.

Ahmed expressed gratitude to Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, wife of the President and founder of the Renewed Hope Initiative, for supporting the programme and the 2026 AACT.

She said the first Lady had demonstrated a strong commitment to human capital development, particularly initiatives that empower women and the girl-child.

“Her Excellency readily embraced the project because she believes in giving back to society, especially by supporting children and creating opportunities for them to thrive,” Ahmed said.

She added that preparations for the championship were progressing well, with teams from various African countries already in Abuja.

The week-long continental women’s golf championship is expected to end on Friday, with teams from at least 20 African countries expected to compete for honours.

Ahmed said LGAN remained committed to using golf as a platform for youth development, empowerment and the promotion of greater participation by women and girls in sports.

She urged stakeholders to support initiatives that would make golf more accessible to young girls and create sustainable pathways for their participation in the sport.

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