Nigeria is a largely populated country with an estimated population of 200 million and is projected to increase to 400 million by 2040 due to its high population growth rate. Unfortunately, this young and large population are rife with difficulty and hopelessness due to the remarkable poverty levels within the country. 85% of Nigerians are said to earn below $1 per day. Also, the economy despite being the largest in Africa has experienced very low growth rates and is riddled with inequality, corruption and very few avenues for honest living due to lack of gainful employment.
These high levels of hopelessness and despair is leading a lot of young people into crime, mental illness etc. We at Pathway Sports Initiative believe that the children are capable of helping carve a different future capable of changing the nation and the lives of other members of communities.
Sports has been a solid avenue for transforming the lives of young people, giving them purpose and direction and empowering them, so they can become change agents and positive influencers within society. Football for Nigeria is a national sport which not only has huge followership but is a symbol of national unity and pride. This makes Nigerian football stars extremely influential in society, especially among the youth.
Unfortunately, the youth footballing structure within Nigeria has not helped the nation make the most of this reality. The systems to help identify talent, develop them and help the youth make the most of their talent in a profitable career, does not seem to exist. Nigeria has the ability to develop world class footballing talent on a consistent basis.
Most academies are merely profit driven, not purpose driven, with little emphasis on the character development of their wards. As natural role models, sporting talents can better serve society when they lead by example displaying the positive values that we need to build a better Nigeria.