Grapevine

More women needed in leadership positions — Udoka Edike

Even though I am from Delta State, I was born and raised in Lagos. By the time I was 15, I had lived in different parts of the city, including Igando, Festac, Surulere and Lekki. So, I consider myself a true Lagosian. Growing up in Lagos exposed me to all kinds of people and perspectives. It is a city that is as diverse as it is dynamic, and being in constant interaction with different cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences has greatly shaped who I am today as a humanist.

Football was, and still is, a unifying force across all of Lagos. Whether you were in the heart of Surulere or Igando, football had a way of bringing people together. I grew up with five brothers and uncles who were deeply passionate about the sport, so football was naturally woven into the fabric of my life. We would have five-a-side matches in our family compound, and I became a Manchester United fan—something that has stayed with me to this day.

Attending boarding school in Lagos also taught me a lot about discipline and teamwork, but my real love for football and community grew during my university years. Whenever I was home on holiday, I would organise football competitions for disadvantaged kids in the neighbourhood, offering food items and small cash tokens as prizes to spread joy and motivation. What began as a fun way to bring people together eventually evolved into something more profound.

The turning point came during the COVID-19 pandemic. While I had been organising neighborhood football matches just for fun, the pandemic made me realise the importance of giving back on a bigger level. During that period, I began purchasing and distributing food to those struggling during the economic downturn. It became clear that I could channel my passion for football and philanthropy to make a measurable impact in the lives of underprivileged children. That is what ultimately led to the founding of the NextFootballStars Foundation, where I am focused on empowering young people through football and education, offering them the opportunities I believe they deserve.

Lagos made me resourceful, compassionate and aware of how much can be achieved when people are given a chance.