In observance of International Disability Day, Bet9ja Foundation, a charitable organization founded by Nigeria’s leading online bookmaker company, Bet9ja, collaborated with the Iyaniwura Children Care Foundation (ICCF), a non-governmental organization dedicated to the development of persons with disabilities. Together, they organized a unique football match to amplify the advocacy for inclusivity and fairness for individuals with special needs.
The event unfolded at Lagos’ Campos Square Stadium, where the Bet9ja Foundation team and the ICCF team engaged in a friendly match. The youths participating in the match were treated to an exhilarating experience, fostering a sense of self-worth and showcasing their untapped potentials. The ICCF team demonstrated exceptional skills, drawing enthusiastic applause and accolades from spectators, highlighting their determination to compete with their peers.
Omotola Oronti, Marketing Manager at Bet9ja Foundation, emphasized the company’s longstanding commitment to investing in these youths through sports, aiming to create an inclusive environment where their inherent potentials can flourish.
Oronti noted that the theme of the 2023 International Disability Day, “United in action to rescue and achieve the SDGs for, with and by persons with disabilities,” further reinforces the company’s dedication to ensuring equal participation for individuals with disabilities in society.
Bet9ja Foundation operates on three key pillars, notably promoting a culture of inclusivity through initiatives like “Football for all.” Oronti highlighted the importance of incorporating individuals with disabilities into society, breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of belonging.
The Chairman of ICCF expressed delight in the satisfaction derived from helping disabled individuals, noting the foundation’s role in creating an enabling environment while safeguarding them from exploitation and abuse.
Reflecting on the progress made over the past decade, he acknowledged the vulnerability of these persons and emphasized the foundation’s commitment to bringing smiles to their faces.
“Prior to when I got involved about 10 years ago, I had no idea about people living with disabilities in the country. I saw how far we had to go to get them integrated into society. Putting smiles on their faces and protecting them also. The kids are often vulnerable to abuse and exploitation”.
Mrs. Jumoke Otitoloju, the founder of ICCF, emphasized her motivation in witnessing young people with intellectual disabilities thrive. Acknowledging the misconceptions surrounding disabilities, she stressed the importance of unveiling the untapped potentials within these individuals.
Otitoloju highlighted the foundation’s belief in diversity, equity, and inclusion, expressing a commitment to empowering those with intellectual disabilities and integrating them into society.
“My motivation is seeing these young people with intellectual disability thrive because I know they have a lot of untapped potentials. We started last year with them and you can see the ability in them. It is not only football that we are training them. We also train them in swimming because a lot of people think when you have disability, you are a good for nothing. Having worked with people with disability for over 11 years, I see there is a lot of untapped potentials. The question is how an we help them to strive to bring up that innate curiosity in them so that they can live like every other person in the society. For my organization, we believe in diversity, equity and inclusion. That has been helping us to unravel any hidden talent of persons with disabilities especially when we have our development work with persons with intellectual disabilities.
Regarding the partnership with Bet9ja, Otitoloju expressed gratitude for the support that has enabled the foundation to fulfill its duties to persons with disabilities. The partnership, established in 2016, remains robust, with a special acknowledgment to the Chairman of Bet9ja for accepting and supporting the foundation’s vision for humanity.
Bet9ja Foundation, established by Nigeria’s leading online bookmaker, focuses on addressing critical challenges in healthcare, education, sports development, community projects, and youth empowerment. The foundation aims to improve the lives of Nigerians by partnering with local organizations, leveraging technology, and engaging in community-based initiatives.
ICCF, as a non-governmental organization, concentrates on holistic care, protection, and development for children, youths, and women with disabilities. Over the years, the foundation has empowered hundreds of children with life-changing skills, providing access to education and fostering an equitable environment where they can thrive.
