In a bold move to promote gender inclusion in sports and youth empowerment, the Nigerian American Football Association (NAFA), in partnership with Browns Nigeria, has officially launched the Gridiron Gems programme in Lagos.
The initiative aims to introduce American football to 150,000 girls across Nigeria and equip them with essential life skills, leadership training, and opportunities for long-term personal development.
The event, which attracted prominent figures and stakeholders in sports, gender advocacy, and community development, featured a series of engaging panel discussions and breakout sessions. These sessions focused on sensitising young girls about critical issues such as personal safety, self-empowerment, and the importance of continuous skill development.
Speakers shared powerful messages about the significance of standing up for oneself and protecting personal boundaries in all areas of life, both on and off the field.
Former First Lady of Ondo State, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, who was a key speaker, emphasised the need for girls to recognise their own potential and capabilities.
Drawing from her experience in running the BEMORE bootcamp, she explained how programmes like Gridiron Gems create an enabling environment where girls can build their self-esteem, discover new strengths, and develop crucial life skills.
“Empowerment is knowledge-based,” she said, highlighting the importance of equipping young girls with the tools to improve their economic and social outcomes.
NAFA President and co-founder, Babajide Akeredolu, spoke about how American football, despite its perception as a complex sport, is accessible to everyone. He encouraged young girls to embrace the game, noting that it provides an opportunity for both physical engagement and leadership development.
“American football is inclusive. It doesn’t matter your body type or height; everyone has a role to play,” he said. The Gridiron Gems initiative also garnered significant support from women in sports. CEO Gameday, Lolia Kienka, one of the speakers at the event, delivered an inspiring message to the attendees. She urged the girls to seize every opportunity that comes their way, both in sports and in life.
“Stand up for yourself. Know your worth, and always strive to improve,” Talia advised. NAFA legal representative and the programme coordinator, Nancy Damhindi, explained that Gridiron Gems is more than just an athletic programme.
“It’s a movement aimed at fostering the growth of female athletes, coaches, and referees. The initiative’s long-term vision includes training 10,000 women as coaches and referees, as well as introducing the sport to over 150,000 girls by 2030,” Damhindi said.
She assured the audience that the programme would actively monitor and evaluate its progress to ensure the growth and sustainability of female participation in American football at all levels.
The event also included multiple breakout sessions where girls participated in practical workshops on skills like digital literacy, self-defence, and entrepreneurship. These sessions were designed to complement the athletic focus of the programme, reinforcing the importance of education, safety, and economic independence.
With a turnout of over 400 participants, the event showed NAFA’s strong commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of young girls through sports.
The association explained that as the initiative progresses, it plans to continue building local partnerships, including with schools and grassroots organisations, to expand its reach and ensure that more girls across Nigeria have access to this unique opportunity.
