Men are known by their works, ideologies and policies. Just as champions aren’t made in the gyms but from something they have deep inside them, a desire, a dream, and a vision. For Engr. Noah Dallaji, Founder/President, African Children Talent Discovery Foundation, ACTDF, the most effective tool for national development is having a vision and a platform that incorporates youths, Writes MAMAN YAYANBANKI.
The President African Children Talent Discovery Foundation, ACTDF, Engr. Noah, Dallaji is a noble man, a philanthropist, and a workaholic. He is admired and loved nationally and internationally. He has through the combination of hardwork, professionalism , and service to humanity distinguished himself as an Icon worthy of emulation.
The recently held novelty match which took place in Bauchi with the sole aim of hunting for talented footballers under the mentorship of some top African ex-footballers attest to his vision of creating a veritable platform for youths, indeed the memory will be reminisced upon for a long time. The 15,000 capacity Abubakar Tafa Belewa Stadium was overflowed with visitors from within and outside the country, who came to witness the remarkable event.
The event which pulled the highest crowd in the country since the outbreak of the COVID-19 Pandemic had super stars like Kanu Nwankwo and JJ Okocha among other international football super stars and entertainers.
Speaking on his vision of creating a platform for the youths to showcase their potentials Dallaji said:
“The problem we have today is that young people lack platforms. But if there are platforms they will use their energy for positive things. Again, if you carry people along and they know that they are incorporated in a thing, they will not misbehave”, he said.
He further averred on the need to positivity impact people noting that even miscreants are intelligent and can positively affect a society if they have a veritable platform where they can showcase their talents and use them to benefit the country.
Speaking on security Dallaji said the event has changed the narrative and perception of the North-East being unrestful stressing that the North-East is safe for business.
“I am so glad that the event happened in Bauchi successfully, without any incident, people were entertained and empowered, and it is a proof that North-East is not a dead zone area”.
He further revealed that the Foundation will leverage on its platform to hunt for various talents in basketball, entertainment such as music, dancing, comedy, acting etc to change the lives of youths in Nigeria.
“We want to use our platform to speak that word that will change lives in Nigeria, turn youths away from crime and encourage them to use their energy for positive impacts. I am fulfilling a vision of empowering and lifting people from poverty. By doing so, I am also helping to engage many hands positively and discouraging them from going into crime. All I desire is that when these ones we are empowering become stars and able to stand on their own, they should also help others too”.
Engr Dallaji didn’t just change, he transformed, he didn’t just promise, he proved. He didn’t just think he pondered, he didn’t just dream, he acted. We celebrate Nigeria’s Iconic Super Philanthropist, Engr. Noah Dallaji.