Problem Statement
Over 500,000 people in Benue State have been displaced due to the farmers-herders conflict, as confirmed by the Biometric Registration Report for Benue State conducted by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in partnership with local and international organizations. In Guma LGA alone, more than 60,000 individuals are now living in IDP camps, facing daily hardships and uncertain futures. These are not just numbers—they are women, children, and young people whose lives have been uprooted. They lack access to basic needs like healthcare, education, and safety.
The report further highlights that over 20,044 individuals live with serious medical conditions, amplifying the urgency of intervention. Displacement not only erodes dignity but also disrupts the social fabric, with children and youth particularly vulnerable to negative influences and psychological trauma.
At Zalen Foundation, we believe that no one should live in such vulnerability. Our mission to uplift underserved communities is rooted in addressing the immediate and long-term needs of IDPs. Inaction will only deepen their despair, but through action, we can restore dignity and hope. The time to act is now.
The Zalen FC Solution: Restoring Hope Through Football
In response to the critical needs of IDP youth, Zalen Football Club (Zalen FC) aims to provide a structured and impactful intervention using football as a tool for empowerment, healing, and social change. This initiative will establish the first-ever football club for IDPs in Benue State, offering displaced youth an opportunity to develop their skills, improve their mental well-being, and explore potential professional careers in football.
Why Football?
Football transcends barriers in Nigeria, uniting people across social, ethnic, and economic lines. For the youth in IDP camps, football will provide:
• Dignity: Organized activities that restore a sense of normalcy and purpose.
• Healing: Physical activity and teamwork to alleviate the stress and trauma of displacement.
• Opportunity: Pathways to professional football careers through exposure to local and international scouts.
This initiative represents much more than sport—it is a platform for rebuilding shattered lives.
Recent Milestone: Successful Screening in Ichwa IDP Camp
On 19th October 2024, Zalen Foundation, in partnership with Ontrade Solid Concepts and the David Wuam Gambe Foundation, successfully held tryouts and screening for young boys and girls at the Ichwa IDP Camp in Makurdi, Benue State. The screening revealed an incredible depth of talent, resulting in the formation of both a full male and female football team.
Ms. Jennifer Mimidoo Vangeryina, the Camp Manager, expressed her excitement, noting that this was the first initiative of its kind in the camp, providing much-needed hope and engagement for the youth. The day ended on a high note, with smiles, pictures, and warm goodbyes as the children eagerly anticipated what was to come next.
Our Approach
Zalen FC will target youth across 19 IDP camps clustered in 6 LGAs in Benue State, engaging over 300 young people (50 players per camp). The initiative includes:
1. Talent Identification: Screen and select talented youth from the camps.
2. Comprehensive Football Training: Provide coaching, equipment, and resources for skill development.
3. Life Skills & Personal Development: Leadership, teamwork, and resilience-building workshops alongside football training.
4. Health & Well-being Support: Ensure access to medical checkups, counseling, and mental health services.
5. Career Pathways: Scouts and partnerships, including Milan Martinovic, will provide a pathway for top talents to pursue professional football careers.
Join Us
The Zalen Football Club initiative is a transformative opportunity to uplift displaced youth through the unifying power of football. With your support, we can give these young people the tools to rise above their circumstances and realize their full potential.
The time to act is now. Your contribution today can change the trajectory of a young person’s life and help rebuild communities affected by conflict.