STEAM Education and Sports Unite: Camp NexGen 2025 Empowers 150 Young People in Akwa Ibom”
Let Girls Read, Run, Grow (LGRRG) has concluded its fifth iteration of Camp NexGen 2025, a STEAM and sports camp designed to empower young people, particularly orphaned youths and young girls from underserved socioeconomic backgrounds.
The three-day program, held at Topfaith University in Mkpatak, Akwa Ibom State, welcomed 150 students aged 13-15, with 30% of the participants being orphaned youth and 60% female representation.
LGRRG’s Founder and Board Chairman, Idara Otu, said the camp was designed to combat Africa’s youth unemployment crisis by exposing young people to high-demand career fields through engaging, hands-on learning.
“The reality we face is that Nigeria’s youth unemployment crisis is real. But here lies the opportunity—we know the next 30 years of job creation is coming from STEM fields. So, the time is now to plant seeds and challenge our campers, ‘why not you’ in these careers? When these young minds can see careers in physics, mathematics, and engineering come alive before their eyes, they don’t just dream—they make plans.” She said
She acknowledged support from Super Eagles Captain William Troost-Ekong, who provided professional football training, Global Air University, which provided specialized STEAM training and Topfaith University which provided venue, accommodation, and security for the camp.
“The partnership with Troost-Ekong and his foundation was instrumental in the camp’s success. Troost-Ekong was directly involved in planning, fundraising, and leading daily athletic training sessions. His involvement not only provided the campers with expert training but also served as a source of inspiration.
“LGRRG prioritized the needs of orphaned youths and young girls, recognizing the challenges they face in accessing quality education and opportunities. Our organization partnered with US-based Bras for Girls to provide each female camper with her first sports bra, removing a significant barrier to continued athletic participation”. She said
She pledged the commitment of LGRRG to empowering young people, particularly orphaned youths and young girls, through its comprehensive programs and initiatives. She also disclosed the organization’s plan to soon break ground on a girls’ primary school in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
Otu also appreciated other strategic partnerships, including Topfaith University, which provided venue, accommodation, and security for the successful hosting of the fifth iteration of Camp NexGen 2025.
Also speaking, Super Eagles Captain
William Troost-Ekong said, “Camp NexGen is not just about sports or science, it’s about showing the children that they belong in any room and on any field.”
Our correspondent reports that this marks the fifth iteration of Camp NexGen, following previous successful camps in Lagos, Nigeria; Harare, Zimbabwe; Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; and Accra, Ghana.
Let Girls Read, Run, Grow (LGRRG) was started in 2017 by Idara Otu, an Olympian who represented Nigeria in Athletics at the 2012 Olympic Games. Its mission is to build up the African girl through education, athletics, and entrepreneurship. Camp NexGen™