By Funmilayo Adeyemi

A social impact organisation, I Volunteer for Leadership (IVLEAD), has unveiled the Feet for the Future initiative to provide shoes to 2,000 underprivileged children in the FCT.

The initiative, which aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals, aims to eliminate inadequate footwear as a barrier to education and well-being for children in low-income communities.

At the unveiling in Abuja, IVLEAD Founder and Executive Director, Mr Mayowa Odetayo, said the project was conceived in response to the increasing number of school-aged children who either share shoes or walk barefoot.

He noted that this situation often results in irregular school attendance, foot injuries, infections, and emotional distress.

“This project is not just about shoes; it is about dignity, access, and opportunity.

“By putting durable, school-appropriate shoes on 2,000 children, we are reducing health risks, boosting self-esteem, and promoting consistent education,” Odetayo said.

He said the initiative contributes to poverty reduction by easing the financial burden on families and enabling children to attend school more regularly.

He added that it also promotes good health by reducing foot infections and injuries, and supports access to quality education by improving school attendance and participation.

Odetayo explained that by targeting disadvantaged children, the programme aims to reduce inequality and promote social inclusion.

He added that the involvement of community stakeholders and strategic partnerships ensures alignment with global efforts to strengthen sustainable development.

Under the programme, IVLEAD will organise three major outreach events annually, supported by smaller, community-specific interventions.

Also, local schools, parents, and leaders will help identify beneficiaries to foster ownership and ensure transparency.

He said the project’s long-term success would depend on strong partnerships with local businesses, international donors, and community networks.

“A robust monitoring framework will be deployed to track impact, assess challenges, and inform improvements.

“The project also includes risk mitigation strategies such as partnerships with local transport providers to ease logistics, financial planning to ensure sustainability beyond year three, and flexible resource allocation based on evolving needs,” he added.

Beyond shoe distribution, IVLEAD is recognised for its broader youth-focused initiatives in leadership, digital education, and governance.

Through mentorship and advocacy, the organisation has empowered over 4,000 young leaders, including school prefects and class captains, with the skills and values required for ethical leadership.

Odetayo, a Political Science graduate and youth development advocate, has served as Project Manager at Mind the Gap, where he led the NiTDA digital skills project and the Youth Empowered programme in partnership with the Nigeria Bottling Company.

Earlier in the year, IVLEAD hosted the premiere edition of the Unleash Your Leadership Potential Conference in Abuja.

The event attracted over 200 young participants and featured TEDx-style talks, workshops, and breakout sessions aimed at promoting purpose-driven, practical leadership among Nigerian youth. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade