By Flinster Austin
Published on 2024-04-08 03:05:26
The Season 2 of the MTN Champs has kicked off in Ibadan with over 2,600 youths participating in Nigeria’s premier Schools’ Athletics Championships. This event is a dynamic platform created by MTN Nigeria to nurture the competitive spirit in young athletes across four distinct age categories: Cadet (U14), Youth (U17), Junior (U20), and the newly introduced Senior (no age limit). The championships began earlier this year in Asaba and have now moved to Ibadan for the second leg.
Idowu Adesokan, the General Manager of Segment and Devices at MTN, explained that this initiative was created to help young Nigerians achieve their dreams and aspirations of balancing athletics with education. The event is aimed at supporting Nigeria’s core values and making the nation’s future at the Olympics brighter. Adesokan emphasized the importance of empowering the youth through sports and providing them with opportunities to showcase their talent and potential.
Bambo Akanni, the founder of Making of Champions (MOC), praised the state government for its efforts in promoting sporting activities in the region. He believes that with events like the MTN Champs, Nigeria is taking steps towards becoming a formidable sporting nation, not just in Africa, but on a global scale. Akanni described the championships as a nation-building and life-changing exercise for kids, highlighting the impact it could have on the youth’s overall development.
Oyo State’s Commissioner for Youth and Sport, Wasilat Adegoke, commended MTN for its commitment to the socio-economic development of youths across the country. She acknowledged that the championships would provide valuable opportunities for young Oyo children who may not have had access to proper training or discovery without the platform presented by MTN. Adegoke emphasized the importance of investing in the youth and creating avenues for them to excel in various fields, including sports.
The MTN Champs is not just a competition but a symbol of hope and empowerment for the youth of Nigeria. It serves as a reminder of the nation’s potential in athletics and the importance of nurturing young talent. Through initiatives like this, MTN is contributing to the growth and development of Nigeria as a sporting powerhouse in Africa and beyond.
In conclusion, the Season 2 of the MTN Champs is an exciting opportunity for young athletes to showcase their skills and compete at a high level. With the support of MTN, these youths are given a platform to pursue their passion for athletics while continuing their education. This event not only promotes healthy competition but also instills values of hard work, discipline, and dedication in the youth of Nigeria.
