President of the Nigerian American Football Association (NAFA), Babajide Akeredolu, has reiterated his commitment to advancing the visibility and inclusion of women in American football across Nigeria.
Akeredolu disclosed this in Lagos while announcing a new partnership between NAFA’s ‘Gridiron Gems Initiative’ and Alles Charis Gas Limited, which joins the initiative as a Zircon Partner.
He emphasised that the partnership would significantly expand the reach of the Gridiron Gems Initiative, offering young women greater access to resources and support necessary to thrive both within the sport and in broader life pursuits.
“This collaboration not only highlights Alles Charis Group’s dedication to youth and community development but also strengthens our shared commitment to gender inclusion through impactful partnerships,” Akeredolu said.
Coordinator of the Gridiron Gems Initiative, Nancy Damhindi, hailed the partnership as a milestone in the push to create more opportunities for women in Nigeria’s growing sports sector. She disclosed that the backing from Alles Charis Gas Limited will directly support a series of 2025 projects, including Team Nigeria’s participation in international flag football events, female-focused skills development camps, and an All-Star female showcase.
“We’re thrilled to have Alles Charis on board. Their dedication to social development and youth empowerment aligns perfectly with our mission to create meaningful platforms for young women in American football,” Damhindi said.
Speaking on behalf of Alles Charis Gas Limited, the company’s Compliance and Public Relations Manager, Esther Eze, stated that the organisation believes in the transformative power of collaboration.
“Partnering with NAFA on the Gridiron Gems Initiative reflects our commitment to inclusive, youth-driven programmes that empower girls beyond the field,” she said. “We are proud to support a movement that fosters leadership, nurtures talent, and creates opportunities for young women across Nigeria.”
In a bold move to promote gender inclusion in sports and youth empowerment, the Nigerian American Football Association (NAFA), in partnership with Browns Nigeria, officially has launched its Gridiron Gems program in Lagos.
The initiative aims to introduce American football to 150,000 girls across Nigeria while equipping 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 sensitizing 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 keynote speaker at the event, emphasized the need for girls to recognize their own potential and capabilities. Drawing from her experience in running the BEMORE Boot Camp, she explained how programs like Gridiron Gems can 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.
Babajide Akeredolu, NAFA President and co-founder, 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, a prominent speaker 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, never be afraid to put yourself out there and always strive to improve, there are always opportunities to launch into, do not be afraid.”
She also appreciated the organizers of the NAFA initiative, urging them to partner with more likeminded brands and individuals to achieve greater goals.
Nancy Damhindi, NAFA legal representative and the program coordinator, explained that Gridiron Gems is more than just an athletic program—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. She assured the audience that the program 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-defense, and entrepreneurship. These sessions were designed to complement the athletic focus of the program, reinforcing the importance of education, safety, and economic independence. The organizers stressed that the goal was not just to create skilled athletes, but empowered young women capable of making a significant impact in their communities and society at large.
With a turnout of over 400 participants, the event showed a strong commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of young girls through sports. The enthusiasm from both the girls and the event organizers was evident, signalling the beginning of a transformative journey for Nigerian women in sports. By creating an inclusive and supportive environment, the Gridiron Gems program hopes to lay the foundation for a future where women are not only participants in sports but leaders and change-makers in all aspects of life.
As the initiative progresses, NAFA plans to continue building local partnerships, including with schools and grassroots organizations, to expand its reach and ensure that more girls across Nigeria have access to this unique opportunity.
