Idowu was appointed for his strong support of school sports and his contributions to the growth of grassroots sports
The Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF) has appointed foremost sports philanthropist Chief Yemi Idowu as its patron.
At the investiture ceremony conducted at the National Stadium in Lagos, NSSF President Olabisi Joseph praised Idowu for his strong support of school sports and his contributions to the growth of grassroots sports, which led the federation to consider him for the position of patron.
Pulse Sports reported that NSSF named Yemi Idowu as the patron of the Federation on Monday
17:37 - 04.07.2023
School Sports Federation names Yemi Idowu as patron
Idowu was appointed for his strong support of school sports and his contributions to the growth of grassroots sports
In this report, we highlight five things we know about the new Patron of the School Sports Federation.
1. Who is Yemi Idowu
Yemi Idowu is a Nigerian entrepreneur, industrialist, and philanthropist and was born on 3 December 1968.
He is an alumnus of the Harvard Business School Executive Education Program and holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounts and Financial Analysis from Newcastle upon Tyne University, England.
Idowu is an accomplished businessman having served on the board of various companies. He founded Aircom Nigeria Limited in 1992 and serves as the Managing Director till date.
2. Sports Philanthropist
Idowu is a director of the Lagos Junior League and the current Chairman of Nathaniel Boys Football Club where notable stars have been discovered including Leicester City midfield maestro Wilfred Ndidi who played for Genk in the Belgian Pro League started their careers from.
He was instrumental in initiating the Rhythm N' Play campaign, a grassroots sports mobilization campaign targeted at bringing an additional 2 million Nigerian school children into sports within two years. Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan launched the campaign in Abuja on 6 June 2013.
He also donated sporting materials to Asisat Oshoala Foundation in realizing its mandate of helping the girl child fulfilling her dream in sports and education.
3. Facilitates Maracana Stadium
Idowu through his foundation, The Nathaniel Idowu Foundation funded and facilitated the development of the new Maracana Modern Sports complex in Ajegunle, Lagos State in May 2022.
The stadium has eight medium and 10 mini-Astroturf football pitches completed, while work is ongoing on the international standard football pitch.
4. Member of the Football Development Master Plan Committee
Idowu was a member of Members of the Football Development Master Plan Committee appointed by former President Muhammudu Buhari to see to the development of the round leather game.
5. Passion for Grassroots Sports
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Idowu passion for grassroots Sports development has been top-notch which has led him to carry out different projects to help the kids from the slum.