The WAMUFAT Foundation has successfully concluded its inaugural sports camp, which brought together more than 600 students from six southwestern Nigerian states alongside over 150 game masters for an intensive week-long training program.
The week-long event, which took place from August 11-16 at the Agroterra Sports Complex in Joga-Orile, near Abeokuta, Ogun State, was organised in collaboration with the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF) and provided participants with cutting-edge sports training and mentorship opportunities.
The camp featured some of Nigeria’s most celebrated athletes and footballers, who served as resource persons and mentors throughout the completed program. The distinguished lineup included Mary Onyali-Omagbemi, Falilat Ogunkoya, Mutiu Adepoju, Felix Owolabi, Segun Odegbami and Tajudeen Disu.
At the weekend closing ceremony, NSSF President Olabisi Joseph described the completed initiative as a transformative experience for students from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti, Osun, and Ondo States.
“The turnout and enthusiasm of the students were absolutely thrilling,” Joseph remarked. “This provided a unique platform for former athletes to inspire the next generation of champions. The camp successfully fostered unity and learning without any form of segregation.”
Joseph emphasised the comprehensive nature of the program, noting that children are already anticipating the next edition, with sponsors confirming their commitment to future camps. The program featured ex-internationals mentoring young athletes while education experts delivered crucial training on CPR and anti-doping awareness to both students and teachers.
“We’re calling on more ex-internationals, reputable individuals, and corporate Nigeria to support initiatives like this,” Joseph added. “These programs actively steer children away from social vices and toward positive development through sports.”
WAMUFAT Foundation founder Fatima Mohammed reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to supporting such transformative initiatives, promising that the next edition would be “even bigger and better.”
Legendary footballer Segun Odegbami praised the camp’s vision, stating: “This camp promotes Olympism, friendship, peace, and personal excellence. The environment and infrastructure are absolutely top-notch.”
Odegbami expressed amazement at the program’s quality and was particularly pleased to see students learning diverse sports like golf. “While sports development is a marathon, this camp serves as a sprint that sets the pace for future growth,” he explained. “Bringing in ex-internationals as role models will inspire these kids to become the best versions of themselves.”
Rasheed Afonja, founder of Agroterra Sports Academy, expressed gratitude to the organisers and pledged unwavering support for future editions of the camp.
The camp made a lasting impact on participants. Seventeen-year-old Adesewa Akinpelu described the experience as both educational and enjoyable, while 11-year-old Praise Haruna, who was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) in basketball, said the experience has inspired her to set ambitious goals in sports.
The successful launch of the WAMUFAT Foundation sports camp marks a significant milestone in youth sports development across Nigeria’s southwest region, setting a strong foundation for future athletic excellence and character development.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
