In a remarkable effort to promote youth development and women’s participation in sports, Temitope Ademola Obideyi, Chairman of the Ex-Ibadan Professional Footballers Association, has sponsored six young women for a one year Advanced Diploma coaching course at the National Institute for Sports, Lagos.
The initiative forms part of Obideyi’s ongoing commitment to empowering young people and strengthening grassroots sports development within the community. By supporting the professional training of female coaches, the programme aims to create opportunities for women to take active roles in sports leadership and coaching.
The beneficiaries of the sponsorship include Anthony Esther Ngozi, whose preferred sport is football; Sobulo Omolara Mondinat, who will specialize in traditional games; Yusuf Adejoke Basirat, focusing on handball; and Adenaike Odunayo Ayomide, also specializing in football.
Others are Shittu Medinat Aderonke, who will be trained in Kung Fu, and Amos Titilayo Tope, whose preferred sport is basketball.
Speaking on the initiative, Obideyi emphasized the importance of investing in young women who are passionate about sports, noting that building competent female coaches will significantly contribute to the growth and sustainability of sports development at the grassroots level.
He expressed optimism that the six beneficiaries will maximize the opportunity and return to their communities as trained professionals capable of mentoring the next generation of athletes.
The one year Advanced Diploma coaching programme at the National Institute for Sports is widely recognized for producing skilled coaches and sports administrators who contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s sporting ecosystem.
Observers have praised the sponsorship as a timely intervention that supports youth empowerment while advancing the role of women in sports.