The President African Children Talent Discovery Foundation, (ACTDF) Engr. Noah Dallaji, is a visioneer who believes and recognizes the role of women not just in nation building, but also in the world of sports. Dallaji consents to the fact that the king may rule the kingdom, but it’s the queen who moves the board and each time a woman stands up for herself, she stands up for all. To this end, ACTDF kicked off the first edition of the “Noah Dallaji and Asisat Oshoala Para Soccer championship, and girls’ football tourney. Oshoala is African women footballer of the year and Barcelona femeni star. The initiative is aimed at helping the less-privileged especially women and girls through education and sports in the country. This singular act drove home Dallaji’s philosophy that if a girl wants to be a legend, she should be encouraged and given the platform to be one, writes MAMAN YAYANBANKI.
The maiden Noah Dallaji/Asisat Oshoala Para-soccer championship and girl football tourney which took place at the National Stadium Lagos featured eight teams vying for honours. Oshoala noted that she was inspired to partner with Dallaji because of his passion to help the needy.
“We all know I run a foundation, which has been in existence for six years now, but partnering with ACTDF brings a new dimension to the charge to further help the girl child and other less-privilege succeed,” Oshoala
“Basically, the Oshoala Foundation encourages girls to go ahead with their dream of turning professionals. We’ve helped about 5,000 girls. It’s my little bit to help girls in Lagos but after my meeting with Dallaji, he has raised the bar higher by including para-athletes, which will solve a lot of problems among them.
“Dallaji has promised to donate wheelchairs to some of the para-athletes taking part at the championship, which is a great step to encourage the participants”, she said.
We need women in all we do. If we must strive to change the dynamics women must not be overlooked nor ignored, Engr. Dallaji has indeed taken a step in the right direction, which should be applauded and emulated by all.