1808 foundation hosts charity to return 1,000 out-of-school children

The Leader Joe 1808 Foundation has staged the fifth edition of the 1808 Charity Junior Golf Tournament, deploying sports advocacy to raise awareness and mobilise support for returning 1,000 out-of-school children to classrooms in 2025. The tournament, themed “Rescue Out-of-School Children,” is set against the backdrop of Nigeria’s deepening education crisis, with more than 20 […]

The Leader Joe 1808 Foundation has staged the fifth edition of the 1808 Charity Junior Golf Tournament, deploying sports advocacy to raise awareness and mobilise support for returning 1,000 out-of-school children to classrooms in 2025.

The tournament, themed “Rescue Out-of-School Children,” is set against the backdrop of Nigeria’s deepening education crisis, with more than 20 million children currently out of school — the highest figure globally.

Organisers said the initiative harnesses golf, a sport associated with discipline, focus and integrity, as a platform to promote education, inclusion and long-term national development.

Speaking at the tee-off of the tournament in Abuja, Founder and Executive Director of the 1808 Charity International Foundation, Joseph Onus, said the event reflects a decade-long commitment to youth development and social impact.

He explained that beyond fundraising, the foundation is deliberately instilling a culture of giving among young golfers.

Onus said: “We have been planning activities in Nigeria for the past ten years, and this event marks the fifth edition of the 1808 Junior Golf Tournament. This year’s theme, ‘Rescue Out-of-School Children,’ reflects our response to the UN report that Nigeria has over 20 million children out of school.

“Beyond golf, we are teaching young golfers the value of charity. Many children grow up with a mindset of receiving; we want to nurture the spirit of giving early.

“Each participating golfer pays N15,000, which covers the school fees of one out-of-school child. In essence, every child playing here is sponsoring another child’s return to school.”

Onus disclosed that 88 junior golfers participated in this year’s tournament — the lowest turnout since inception — attributing the decline to insecurity in parts of the country.

According to him, participants came from five states, while the foundation plans to return 200 children each to school across Niger, Sokoto, Plateau (Jos), Benue and the Federal Capital Territory, subject to funds raised.

Also speaking, Coordinator and Acting Country Director of the 1808 Foundation, Dr Fortune Hayab, said the tournament leverages golf as a social tool to shape values and broaden opportunities for young Nigerians.

Hayab said: “We are using golf as a tool for charity to teach children what it means to play for a cause. Many of our junior golfers already have international rankings, and this year’s participation fee ensures that at least one less-privileged child is sent back to school.

“Golf is not a sport for the rich alone. It is for everyone. It builds discipline, opens doors and creates positive networks. We encourage parents to let children start as early as five years old and grow through junior golf rankings.”

The Resident Head Professional of the TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club, Musa Usman, commended the consistency and organisation of the tournament.