Spires Media, IHS Kick Off 2026 Community Outreach in Lagos Schools
BY Victor Ottah

The organisers of the Spires 5-Aside Naija Street Soccer Tournament, Spires Media, in partnership with IHS Nigeria, have commenced their 2026 community outreach programme with an impactful engagement at Dolphin High School, Lagos.

The school outreach initiative, which is designed to complement the tournament’s grassroots sports development programme, commenced on Monday, September 28, 2026, with hundreds of students participating in an interactive session focused on education, career development, health and sports.

The Spires Media team was received by the TGPS for Educational District 3, Dr. Oyetola Idowu, who was represented by the Head of Council Department, Director Olaoye Temitope, alongside the Principal of Dolphin High School, Mrs. Comfort Agunlejika.

The programme, organised in collaboration with IHS Nigeria and J+R Hospital, brought professionals from different fields closer to the students to provide practical guidance on career choices, healthy living, education and the importance of balancing academics with sporting aspirations.

Students also received educational and welfare materials, including school books, water bottles and other learning items, as part of the initiative’s commitment to supporting young people beyond the football pitch.

Adding an engaging dimension to the programme, popular on-air personality Chukwudi Ezugwu led an interactive educational session with the students, encouraging them to ask questions and participate actively in discussions around education and personal development.

Representing J+R Hospital, Dr. Nwachukwu Augustine delivered a session on health and healthy lifestyle practices, highlighting the importance of maintaining good health within the school environment and the wider community.

Representatives of IHS Nigeria were also present at the programme, alongside the Lagos State Football Association, represented by the Divisional FA Chairman, Alhaji Saheed Bakare.

Speaking on the partnership, representatives of IHS Nigeria and J+R Hospital said the collaboration with Spires Media was aimed at helping to prepare young people for successful professional lives while reinforcing the message that sports and education can work together to build character and create opportunities for the next generation.

The Director of Spires Media, Olusola Robert, said the school outreach programme was conceived to expose students to professionals and broaden their understanding of the opportunities available to them beyond secondary education.

«“The initiative is born out of a desire to improve the lives of the younger generation across board. Hence, we have moved from the football pitch to engaging these young people in their schools,” Olusola said.»

He explained that while the Spires 5-Aside tournament remains committed to grassroots football development and talent discovery, the organisation recognises the need to equip young people with knowledge, values and skills that can support them throughout their lives.

The Spires Media and IHS community outreach programme is expected to continue in the coming days, with planned visits to schools across the five divisions of Lagos State.

The initiative is part of the broader vision of the Spires 5-Aside Naija Street Soccer Tournament to use sports, education, technology and community engagement as platforms for youth empowerment and human capital development across Lagos.