For 13 years, the British Council has been at the helm of the Premier Skills project, a football coaching and refereeing program in Nigeria. Recently, the British Council made the decision to divest, allowing an independent alumni body to take charge of the program’s implementation in the country. The closeout event, held in Lekki, Lagos, celebrated the success of the project and its positive impact on the lives of young footballers, including women and children.

According to Chikedi Onyemerela, the Acting Country Director of British Council, Premier Skills had a significant reach, training over 948 coaches and referees and positively impacting more than 22,000 young footballers. Throughout its journey, the project forged partnerships with civil society organizations, government ministries, agencies, and institutions to deliver high-quality programs that strengthened public institutions, fostered dialogue, and addressed crucial issues faced by communities across Nigeria.

The initiative aimed not only to improve football skills but also to instill essential life skills in coach educators and utilize football as a catalyst for change and child protection. By empowering young people with various platforms to address societal issues, the Premier Skills program sought to make a lasting impact on the lives of marginalized individuals, particularly the youth, women, and girls.

Harirah Gurama, the Project Officer in charge of Premier Skills, emphasized the program’s focus on community engagement, working with grassroots parties to uplift marginalized members of society and combat challenges like bullying and drug abuse.

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The testimonial of Coach Chinasa Ukandu highlighted the program’s success, expressing gratitude for the incredible opportunities and achievements experienced through Premier Skills.

The event was attended by notable figures, including representatives from the Lagos and Kano states ministries of education and the Chairman of Lagos FA. The conclusion of the Premier Skills project in Nigeria signifies the immense potential of sports as a force for positive change, empowerment, and community development.