Adidas, a globally recognized sports equipment manufacturer, in partnership with LATC, its strategic franchise partner in Nigeria, recently donated 200 footballs to schools across Lagos State. This initiative underscores their joint dedication to youth empowerment, promoting gender inclusion, and fostering grassroots sports development. The donation, executed in collaboration with the Lagos State Sports Commission, is set to benefit 20 schools throughout the state, ensuring an equitable distribution of the footballs between male and female teams. Adidas emphasized that this effort aims to actively support inclusive participation in school sports, irrespective of gender.

To formally mark this significant contribution, Dave Thomas, the CEO of adidas Global Emerging Markets, presented a symbolic football to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, during a courtesy visit. This gesture highlighted Adidas’ unwavering commitment to bolstering government-led initiatives focused on youth and sports development across Nigeria. An adidas spokesperson articulated the company’s philosophy, stating, “Sport has the power to shape the future. This donation is more than just equipment; it is an investment in the dreams, health, and leadership potential of young boys and girls across Lagos. We believe every child deserves the opportunity to play, grow, and thrive.”

Kingsley Oko, Chief Strategy Officer at LATC, Adidas’ franchise partner in Nigeria, further elaborated on the broader vision behind the donation. He stressed that the initiative aligns with a comprehensive approach to developing well-rounded students—not merely academically, but also physically, emotionally, and socially, through the transformative influence of sport. Oko affirmed, “School sports is a powerful tool for a complete education. This donation supports children not only to become better athletes, but more confident, healthier, and focused individuals.”

The Lagos State Sports Commission commended the initiative, acknowledging its role in deepening grassroots sports efforts and reinforcing gender equity within school sporting programs. This benevolent action perfectly encapsulates adidas’ global principle of “changing lives through sport” and LATC’s dedicated mission to nurture youth development in Nigeria. The timing of this donation is particularly pertinent, as physical education and inclusive participation are increasingly being re-emphasized as fundamental pillars of national development.