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‘It Gives Me Joy to See Someone Cry and Wipe Away the Tears’ — SOHO24 Foundation CEO

Published

1 week ago

September 22, 2026

By Joel Ajayi

Nigerian Olympian and Chief Executive Officer of SOHO24 Foundation, Ambassador Christy Opara MON, has called on parents, organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to support initiatives aimed at empowering vulnerable children and helping them realise their potential.

Opara said she derives great fulfilment from helping children overcome difficult circumstances and pursue their dreams, stressing that no child should be denied an opportunity to succeed because of poverty, background, tribe or religion.

She stated this on Tuesday in Abuja at a press conference ahead of the foundation’s 2026 commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child, organised with the support of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), National Council for Women Societies (NCWS), Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), among other partners.

The programme, themed “Empowerment of the Girl-Child Through Sports Development, Education and Performance,” is scheduled for Thursday, October 8, 2026, at the SOHO24 Foundation Sports Park in Abuja, ahead of the International Day of the Girl Child on October 11.

Opara said the initiative was necessary at a time when families and children are facing numerous social and economic challenges, urging parents not to remain silent when their children need help.

“The whole world is in turmoil, facing what I would call a drought, and Nigeria is not out of the equation. My advice to parents is to reach out, especially through programmes like this. I am not the only one providing such programmes. They should not remain quiet,” she said.

The Olympian explained that the foundation’s work extends beyond the girl-child, revealing that SOHO24 currently houses more than 40 boys daily, providing them with food, training and coaching.

According to her, the beneficiaries come from different parts of Nigeria, irrespective of tribe or religious background.

She said her commitment to supporting children was based on their potential and determination to achieve their dreams rather than their ethnic or religious identity.

“I have sent a lot of them abroad who are not of my religion and who are not even from my tribe. I believe in a child who has a vision,” she said.

Opara, who spoke about her own journey from humble beginnings to becoming an Olympian, said her experiences had strengthened her determination to identify and support children with talent and ambition.

“I came from nothing to glory, and therefore, when I see potential and I can reach out to that child, and that child is committed to the dream they have, I sincerely will do my best,” she said.

She, however, stressed that individuals and organisations working to improve the lives of children cannot do it alone, calling for greater support from government, corporate organisations and other Nigerians.

Opara particularly urged stakeholders to support initiatives that protect girls from child marriage and other practices that could truncate their education and future opportunities.

She said the foundation would work with teachers to identify children with exceptional potential following its programmes and explore ways of supporting their education.

According to her, the foundation hopes to assist deserving beneficiaries to complete their secondary education before helping to create pathways for further education and skills development.

“We reach out to their teachers and identify a child who has potential and dreams of greatness tomorrow. By the grace of God, we will help them finish secondary school before nurturing them towards university,” she said.

Opara therefore appealed to Nigerians to recognise and support organisations and individuals genuinely contributing to the development of children and society.

She said the foundation’s interventions were driven by a desire to give vulnerable children hope, opportunity and the confidence to build better futures.

For Opara, the greatest reward is seeing children who once faced difficult circumstances regain hope and move towards achieving their dreams.

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Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran

Published

7 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.

In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.

According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.

“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.

The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.

“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.

The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.

“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.

Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.

The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.

“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.

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