Reigning African Female Footballer of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, through her Asisat Oshoala Academy (AOA) is set to kick off the ‘Life Skills through Schools Project,’ a transformative venture aimed at empowering the Nigerian girl-child through a unique blend of sports and education.
In collaboration with global sportswear brand Nike and the esteemed New Era Foundation, the brainchild of Her Excellency, First Lady of Nigeria, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu CON, the project is set to make a lasting impact on the lives of girls aged 12-18.
Building upon the success of the ‘ShePlays Initiative,’ which has positively influenced over 2,000 girls across Lagos State, the ‘Life Skills through Schools Project’ represents the next phase of AOA’s commitment to nurturing the holistic development of young girls.
The collaboration with Nike and New Era Foundation underscores the shared vision and values that drive this initiative. Asisat Oshoala, founder of AOA, expresses her enthusiasm for the partnership: “Working with Nike and New Era Foundation allows us to combine our strengths and resources, amplifying our impact on the lives of these young girls. Together, we aim to build a brighter future for the Nigerian girl-child.”
The New Era Foundation’s vision echoes the sentiment, stating that, “Our foundation has a long-standing commitment to youth development, and this partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to inspire, encourage, and build the disadvantaged youths of Nigeria.”
The ‘Life Skills through Schools Project’ is designed to foster the holistic development of girls through a series of six knowledge empowerment sessions. These sessions, held on Fridays from February to June 2024, combine sports activities, primarily football, with educational workshops addressing key themes. The targeted themes include empowerment, authenticity, financial literacy, health, environmental awareness, and digital literacy.
The sessions are structured to provide a comprehensive experience, with one hour dedicated to sports activities such as football, volleyball, table tennis, and chess, followed by another hour of interactive workshops, discussions, and activities centered around the chosen theme.
The ‘Life Skills through Schools Project’ seeks to empower girls not only as athletes but also as leaders and advocates for positive change. By leveraging the transformative power of sports and education, AOA aims to create a lasting impact on the lives of young girls in Nigeria.
The project kickoff in March 2024, signifies the beginning of an exciting journey, with subsequent sessions scheduled throughout the coming months. AOA invites media representatives and stakeholders to join in witnessing and celebrating the positive transformation that will unfold through this groundbreaking initiative.
About Asisat Oshoala Academy (AOA): Founded in 2021 by Asisat Oshoala MON, AOA is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of female football stars, providing opportunities for skill development, education, and empowerment in partnership with Nike and Women Win.
