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
Nigeria Volleyball Reporters Congratulates Oguntimehin On Election As Fct Swan Chairman
The Nigeria Volleyball Reporters Association (NVRA) has congratulated Tolu Oguntimehin on his election as Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter.
NVRA described his emergence as an opportunity to strengthen sports journalism and advance the welfare of members.
Oguntimehin emerged victorious at the FCT SWAN elective congress held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, defeating his challenger, Raphael Ekpang, by 88 votes to four.
In a congratulatory message, the Chairman of Nigeria Volleyball Reporters, Alhaji Ganiyu Oloyede described the election outcome as a testament to the confidence reposed in Oguntimehin by members of the association.
Oloyede expressed optimism that the new chairman would bring purposeful leadership, inclusiveness and renewed commitment to the development of sports journalism in the FCT.
He stressed that the responsibility of leading the association goes beyond occupying an office.
Oloyede noted that the new administration must prioritise members’ welfare, professional development, unity and the protection of their collective interests.
The NVR chairman also challenged the incoming leadership to create an enabling environment where sports journalists can thrive professionally, gain greater access to sporting events and contribute meaningfully to the growth of Nigerian sports.
He particularly welcomed Oguntimehin’s commitment to establishing a ₦200 million financial base for the association, describing the proposed initiative as an ambitious step towards building a financially stronger and more sustainable SWAN FCT.
Oloyede further emphasised the importance of collaboration among sports journalists, sports federations, government institutions and other stakeholders, maintaining that stronger partnerships would create more opportunities for members and improve the quality of sports reporting.
He urged the new executive to embrace transparency, accountability and open communication while ensuring that every member feels represented in the administration.
The Nigeria Volleyball Reporters reaffirmed its readiness to work with the new SWAN FCT leadership in promoting sports journalism, strengthening professional relationships and projecting Nigerian sports positively.
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