Sports
Soho24 Foundation Targets 300 Girls for Empowerment Through Sports, Mentorship, and Skills Acquisition
By Joel Ajayi
In a bold step toward raising a new generation of empowered young girls, Soho24 Foundation, led by Olympic gold medallist Ambassador Christy Opara, MON, has unveiled plans for its International Girl-Child Empowerment Programme scheduled for October 11, 2025, in Abuja—to coincide with the International Day of the Girl Child.
As part of the programme, the Foundation will stage a novelty football match between the Paramilitary and Defence Headquarters teams, symbolizing unity, teamwork, and inclusion. The event aims to promote gender equality by equipping girls with confidence, mentorship, and performance skills needed to excel both locally and globally.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Soho24 Foundation Sports Park, Ambassador Opara shared her vision to empower over 300 girls between the ages of 11 and 18 through sports initiatives, mentorship, and skills acquisition programmes.
“Our mission is to raise girls who will lead classrooms, dominate fields, break barriers, and carry Nigeria’s name with pride. We have already empowered over 100 girls in this community through school fee support, mentorship, and skills training. Now, we are scaling up to reach 200 to 300 girls across Abuja. This is not just about inspiration—it is about action,” she said.
According to her, the programme is anchored on three key pillars: Advancing Education – ensuring girls remain in school while benefiting from the discipline and resilience that sports instill.
Promoting Gender Equality – building girls’ confidence, mentorship access, and performance skills to compete on the global stage.
Bridging Inequalities – creating opportunities for underserved girls through sports, education, and empowerment initiatives.
Ambassador Opara further called on the media to amplify the initiative’s message:
“You, the press, are the megaphone of this movement. Your coverage can inspire millions of homes—every girl who wonders if her dream matters, and every parent who questions whether investing in their daughter’s future is worth it.”
Reflecting on her journey as an Olympian, mother, and youth advocate, Opara stressed that greatness is built on resilience, opportunity, and community support.
“I renew my commitment today to raise a generation of girls who will rise stronger, faster, and braver. Together, let us declare that no girl will be left behind.”
Also speaking at the briefing, Dr. Caleb Gidado, former Director of Planning, Research, and Documentation at the National Sports Commission, commended Ambassador Opara for her foresight and service to society. He described her as a pacesetter worthy of emulation:
“Thank you for organising such a comprehensive programme to give back to society. You reached the pinnacle of your career, won an Olympic medal, and are now actively grooming future champions. I believe this initiative will inspire many gold medallists in the years to come.”
In a goodwill message, DSP Adoh Nwakaego, Community Engagement Officer representing the POCACOV National Coordinator, ACP Olabisi Okwuobi, hailed the initiative, assuring that the Nigeria Police will leave no stone unturned in supporting the success of the programme.
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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