At some point, we all find something that we determine to be very important. Some call it dreams, others call it goals; Chinedum calls it the Nigerian Sports Academy.
Historically, sports have always been an important aspect of life for Nigerians. Until recently however, there was never a strong organization of sports, making them more of an informal activity. As sports were formalized, primarily at the adult levels, a healthy competition has came about between the different Nigerian states and cities. This has made a very strong contribution to the identity of the Nigerian people, both in the country and to the outside world.
While the expansion of sports in Nigeria is paramount, Nigeria still suffers many problems that inhibit the youth from achieving self-actualization. Perhaps the biggest issue comes in the lack of educational opportunities, as well as public infrastructure. As seen in the photo from Chinedum's most recent trip to Nigeria, flooding in the streets is an everyday occurrence. While rain and river water may seem like a very minor thing, the issue that comes about is that there is no way for water to drain, something which ultimately overflows the sewers mixing contaminanted water with the flood water. Essentially, these people are wading through a mixture of raw sewage, which greatly increases one's risk of disease or illness. Additionally, the drinking water supply is greatly effected, also contributing to poor health.
Another major issue for children in Nigeria is education. In UNICEF's "State of the World's Children" report, they found over four million Nigerian children had no access to education. The ones who did were referred to as 'lucky' eventhough they received what UNICEF classified as a sub-standard education. Although Nigeria has developed numerous state run universities, getting the children
prepared to enter the universitites is difficult, especially with many of the schools in a truly dilapidated condition.
The Nigerian Sports Academy would be structured as a boarding school for the children of Nigeria. Having received a top quality education, Chinedum is very passionate about the merits of education. Collectively, the Nigerian Sports Academy would provide many services to the children, from medical care to a college preparatory education, with a heavy emphasis on sports and physical activity.
In terms of timing, the development of the sports academy is very off. In fact, planning has not even formally begun, for it is the lifelong goal of Chinedum.