In a novel approach to youth development, the Kavod Relief Initiative (KRI) has demonstrated how the universal passion for football can be harnessed to unlock technological futures for adolescents in Nigeria's underserved communities. The organisation unveiled this strategy during its "Football Meets Tech: Goals for Skills" programme, held in Jos, Plateau State, on 25 December 2025.
Sports as a Gateway to Digital Empowerment
Mr. Ransomed Chibueze, Founder and Chief Servant of KRI, explained the core philosophy behind the initiative. He highlighted a critical challenge: countless adolescents in marginalised areas lack access to formal education, severely limiting their capacity to contribute to society. "One of our key strategies is using sports as an entry point to other services," Chibueze stated. He elaborated that football serves as a powerful engagement tool, facilitating a seamless transition into the world of technology and digital skills.
The programme consciously moves away from short-term incentives. Instead of conventional cash prizes, participants compete for laptops, intensive skills training, and valuable mentorship. "For cash prizes you can’t really control what you do with it," Chibueze noted, "but replacing it with skills... means that they are able to learn a skill that is going to help them contribute meaningfully to the society." The training covers areas like software engineering, product management, and front-end and back-end development.
Building a Foundation for the Future
The event garnered support from government and community leaders. Representing the Plateau State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Karoline Dafur, the Director of Child Development, Mr. Dombin Sunday, emphasised the importance of early grooming. "To catch the little ones, it is at this age... that we groom them to be something in society," he said. He particularly stressed the value of skills acquisition for the girl child, enabling self-reliance even when white-collar jobs are scarce.
Mr. Ubangari Donald Bitkwoet, Executive Director of the Guardian Initiative for Community Development (GICD), described the partnership with KRI as a natural fit. "Football has its own purpose in terms of social and emotional development of children, and on the other hand, tech prepares them for the future, makes them employable," he remarked, underscoring the model's dual impact.
Endorsements from Sport and Community
Adding a layer of credibility from the sports world, former Nigerian international footballer, Mr. Terry Envoh, endorsed the initiative. Drawing from his own experience, he noted, "football is a short career. Acquiring skills is the best because if anything happens, you can fall back on it."
From the community perspective, Mr. Indelible Joshua Ayiki, representing the Angwan Rukuba community leader, thanked the organisers for bringing such opportunities directly to the people, noting the programme's role in promoting unity and discovering hidden talents among the youth.
The tournament concluded with Team 1, tagged 'End Violence Against Children,' emerging as winners and receiving ₦200,000. The runners-up, Team 4, 'Say No to Drug Abuse,' were awarded ₦100,000. Most significantly, outstanding participants were awarded laptops, scholarships, and mentorship opportunities, cementing the programme's focus on sustainable, life-changing impact over momentary gain.
