Sports

Utaka Foundation to Empower Nigerian Youths through Sports and Education

Published

2 months ago

October 16, 2025

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.

Share on Facebook

Sports

Tangerine APT Pension Crowned New Kings of PFA Games 2025

Published

11 hours ago

November 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi
Joel Ajayi Tangerine APT Pension stormed the 2025 Pension Fund Administrators Games and snatched the crown with a commanding 66 points—ending FCMB’s reign and announcing themselves as the new champions of corporate sporting excellence.

From the first whistle to the final scoreboard, Tangerine APT played like an organisation possessed. They dominated volleyball and snooker, showcased brilliant tactical depth to finish second in chess behind Norrenberger, secured second place in team bonding behind Premium Pension, and held their own across the board—fourth in football, sixth in table tennis, fifth in scrabble, and eighth in e-sports, press conference, discipline and grooming. Every point mattered, and Tangerine APT grabbed them with fire.

Defending champions FCMB, despite flashes of brilliance, simply could not summon last year’s magic.

They finished second overall with 63 points—just three points behind the new champions. FCMB were first in scrabble, second in football, third in table tennis and e-sports, fourth in snooker and team bonding, and fifth in volleyball, chess, and press conference/discipline/grooming. A brave defence, but not enough to stop the Tangerine wave.

Rounding off the podium is NPF Pension, finishing third with 57 points after a spirited campaign. They claimed gold in football, second in table tennis and e-sports, third in volleyball, fourth in scrabble, sixth in press conference/discipline/fanfare/most coordinated, seventh in chess, and eighth in snooker and team bonding.

The rest of the table saw fierce competition:4th – Norrenberger Pension: 52 points, 5th – Premium Pension: 47 points, 6th – NNPC Pension: 45 points, 7th – Access Arm: 41 points
In Others position 8th – Trustfund Pension: 29 points 9th – PENCOM: 28 points and 10th – NUPEMCO: 25 points.

With the dust settled and the cheers still echoing, one truth stands tall:Tangerine APT Pension has ushered in a new era—bold, dominant, and unforgettable.

Share on Facebook