The Maureen Idehen-Ovabor Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to grassroots sports, education and youth development, with its founder, Mrs Maureen Idehen-Ovabor, assuring that the recently concluded second edition of the Bosede Idehen 5-A-Side Football Tournament is only the beginning.
Epe Insight reports that the football tournament, organised by Bosede Idehen International Academy, provided young footballers with an opportunity to showcase their talents while developing important values such as teamwork, discipline, sportsmanship and perseverance.
Speaking after the successful conclusion of the tournament, Mrs Idehen-Ovabor said the foundation would continue to identify opportunities to support young people, particularly those with talents and aspirations that require encouragement, guidance and the right platform to thrive.
She stressed that while sports remained an important tool for youth development and talent discovery, education would continue to occupy a central position in the foundation’s programmes.
According to her, every child deserves access to quality education regardless of their background, noting that education remains a strong foundation for building successful and meaningful lives.
“Education can never be ruled out of our project because I believe education should and must be paramount. It is essential, and we must do the needful to make sure all children have equal education,” she said.
Mrs Idehen-Ovabor described the football tournament as an avenue for bringing young people together, encouraging healthy competition and inspiring participants to work towards excellence.
She noted that the desire to emerge as a champion could motivate young players to improve their skills, remain disciplined and stay committed to their dreams.
She encouraged the young footballers to begin with the opportunities available to them and continue developing their abilities, assuring them of her continued support and motivation.
“Everybody wants to be a champion. That is why I encourage them to start in their little way, and I will always motivate them,” she added.
The foundation founder also disclosed that more initiatives would be introduced in the future, stressing that the football tournament represents only one part of her broader vision for youth development and community support.
The Maureen Idehen-Ovabor Foundation is increasingly focusing on education, sports, empowerment and humanitarian intervention as avenues for creating opportunities for young people and vulnerable members of society.
Mrs Idehen-Ovabor’s commitment to education is also reflected in her involvement in the education sector as Director and Proprietress of Springfield Private School and Bosede Idehen International Academy in Lagos.
Through the institutions, she has continued to promote academic development, character formation and opportunities for learners, while the foundation provides a platform to extend the same commitment beyond the school environment.
The grassroots football initiative further highlights the importance of combining academic learning with sporting activities in the development of young people.
Sports provide children with opportunities to develop discipline, teamwork, leadership, confidence, resilience and a healthy competitive spirit.
The second edition of the Bosede Idehen 5-A-Side Football Tournament therefore provided participants with more than a platform for competition.
It offered young footballers the opportunity to interact with their peers, test their abilities, gain competitive experience and strengthen their confidence.
The tournament also forms part of Mrs Idehen-Ovabor’s efforts to preserve and build on the legacy of her late mother, Madam Bosede Idehen, whose name continues to be associated with educational institutions and initiatives established in her honour.
Through the Maureen Idehen-Ovabor Foundation, she is seeking to expand that legacy by creating opportunities capable of positively impacting children, young people and vulnerable members of society.
Speaking on the future of the foundation, Mrs Idehen-Ovabor expressed her desire to reach more people and create greater impact, while praying for the strength and resources to continue touching lives.
The successful conclusion of the football tournament has consequently provided another platform for advancing a wider grassroots vision that brings together sports, education, empowerment and character development.
For the young participants, the tournament offered an opportunity to compete, learn, build relationships and dream bigger. For the foundation, it represented another step towards identifying talent and supporting the development of the younger generation.
Mrs Idehen-Ovabor maintained that young people should be encouraged to pursue their dreams, stressing that such aspirations require education, discipline, opportunity and positive values to become reality.
With her declaration that the football tournament is “just the beginning,” attention is now focused on the next phase of initiatives expected from the Maureen Idehen-Ovabor Foundation as it strengthens its commitment to grassroots sports, education and youth empowerment.
