The Pillar of Sports Youth Development Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to women in sports after six female coaches sponsored by its founder, Temitope Ademola Obideyi, successfully completed professional coaching training at the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Lagos.
The six beneficiaries underwent professional training in different sporting disciplines as part of his continued commitment to increasing women’s participation in sports, strengthening human capacity, and creating career opportunities for aspiring female coaches.
The newly trained coaches are Anthony Esther Ngozi and Sobulo Omolara Mondinat in football; Yusuf Adejoke Basirat in handball; Adenaike Odunayo Ayomide in football; Shittu Medinat Aderonke in kung fu; and Amos Titilayo Tope in basketball.
Women in Sports Initiative Promotes Female Coaches
Speaking on the achievement, Obideyi said his decision to sponsor the six women was motivated by his desire to increase female participation in sports development and equip aspiring coaches with the professional knowledge required to succeed.
He said professional education and recognised qualifications would enable the beneficiaries to build sustainable careers while contributing meaningfully to the development of athletes and sports in Nigeria.
He described their graduation as a proud and fulfilling moment, stressing that investing in coaches and other sports professionals is as important as supporting athletes.
“Today, seeing them graduate gives me great joy and a sense of fulfilment,” he said.
He congratulated the six coaches and expressed confidence that the knowledge and skills acquired during their training would strengthen their careers and enable them to contribute to the development of younger athletes.
Obideyi urged the newly qualified coaches to see their graduation as the beginning of greater professional responsibility rather than the end of their journey.
“I am super proud of you all. The work continues. The vision continues. Together, we will keep developing sports and empowering our youth,” he added.
The six graduates are expected to apply their newly acquired expertise across football, handball, kung fu and basketball.
Their professional development could also position them as role models for other young women seeking careers in coaching and sports development.
Foundation Strengthens Women in Sports Initiative
The Pillar of Sports Youth Development Foundation is placing greater emphasis on capacity building, youth empowerment and professional development within Oyo State’s sports sector.
The foundation was formally launched in Ibadan in August and has since supported initiatives designed to improve coaching standards and strengthen grassroots sports development.
More than 150 football coaches participated in a sports development seminar organised during the foundation’s launch, reflecting Obideyi’s focus on investing in the professionals responsible for identifying, training and mentoring emerging talents.
For Obideyi, the graduation represents more than the presentation of certificates. It forms part of a broader vision to develop a sustainable sports ecosystem through education, professional training, mentorship and increased opportunities.
The foundation seeks to create pathways for young women to pursue professional careers in sports while contributing to grassroots and elite-level development.
The foundation founder reaffirmed his commitment to programmes that empower aspiring athletes, coaches and young people, stressing that the long-term growth of sports requires deliberate investment in both sporting talent and the professionals responsible for nurturing that talent.
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