By Andrew Abah
All is now set for the celebration of the International Day of the Girl-Child Empowerment through Sports billed for 11th of October, 2025 at Kado District in Abuja.
The Founder of SOHO24 Sports Foundation Amb. Christy Opera, Olympian and Performance Coach, said 300 girls between ages 10 and 18 years will be mentored in different skills acquisition and empowered financially for the pursuit of their education.
Opera, while addressing the media, said her mission is to advance quality education by ensuring girls remain in school, while also gaining the discipline, resilience and structure that sports instill.
“To bridge inequalities, especially in underserved communities, by opening doors of opportunity that combine the power of sports and education, the programme will bring life-changing experiences to young girls through workshops, mentorship sessions and skill-building activities to symbolize unity and national pride.
“We will host a novelty football match between the Paramilitary and the Defence Headquarters teams, a testament to teamwork, inclusion and partnership. To promote gender equality by equipping girls with confidence, performance skills, and mentorship so they can compete and excel on the global stage.
“Continuing, I stand here, not only as an Olympian but as a mentor, a coach, and an advocate for youth. My journey has taught me that greatness is not burning comfort, it is forged in resilience, in opportunities seized, and in the support of a community that believes in you. That is what we want to give to every girl-child in Nigeria. I renew my commitment to raise a generation of girls who will rise stronger, faster and braver. Girls who will lead classrooms, dominate fields, break barriers and carry Nigeria’s name with pride”, Opera said.
She also appealed to cooperate organizations, NGOs and others to partner with the SOHO24 Sports Foundation to raise a generation of girls that will stand and take Nigeria to a global stage.
