Driven by a vision for a brighter African future, Taiwo Omirinde, founder of the Better You Africa Initiative (BYAI), is leveraging education, sports, and community engagement to empower young people.
BYAI prioritizes Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 4 (Quality Education), and 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) to create a holistic development program.
They collaborate with various organizations to make a positive impact in the lives of adolescents and children. Through one-on-one outreaches, classroom revamp, school talk shows, and engaging events like back-to-school, sip ‘n’ paint, community make over projects, and mental health short stories/films, BYAI have directly and indirectly reached and influenced over 10,000 young individuals.
“The current situation across Africa underscores the critical role young people play in driving economic growth and development,” Omirinde remarked at the launch of the first basketball tournament for teenagers in the Oworonshoki community”.
“This initiative goes beyond traditional classrooms, fostering well-being and equipping them with the skills to succeed.”
The basketball program, launched in collaboration with the Rachisols Foundation, is more than just a game. It provides a platform for teenagers within and outside the community to discover and develop their talents.
“We discovered a remarkable interest in various activities, but limited opportunities to pursue them,” Omirinde shared.
“The program has identified a few exceptionally skilled youngsters.”
Looking beyond the inaugural tournament, Omirinde expressed his aspirations: “This is a promising start, and we envision replicating this model across the state and beyond.”
The program’s success lies in its ability to not only offer a healthy and engaging activity but also to unearth hidden talents and ambitions. BYAI plays a crucial role in connecting these talented youths with opportunities to hone their skills and foster teamwork.
“Our sincere gratitude goes to the Rachisols Foundation for their collaboration on this amazing project,” Omirinde stated.
“We look forward to a continued partnership for future initiatives.”
He also extended his appreciation to the Oworonshoki community, the Lagos State Neighborhood Security and Amotekun for ensuring safety, and the community leaders, including Deputy Chief of Staff Hon. Adekoya, and the parents of participating children.
“We welcome partnerships and sponsorships from individuals, organizations, and industry experts who share our vision,” Omirinde emphasized.
“We recognize that national challenges cannot be solved overnight. However, we believe every child deserves the resources and opportunities to develop their skills and find their path to success. BYAI is committed to equipping them for that journey.”
The Better You Africa Initiative offers a beacon of hope for Nigerian youth. Through education, sports, and a collaborative approach, BYAI empowers young people to become the architects of their own success and contribute to a brighter future for Africa.
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