By John Egbokhan

1984 Nations Cup silver-medal winner Paul Okoku has concluded plans to bring the current Mr Universe, Tyrone Tseye Ogedegbe to Nigeria for the launch of the Greater Tomorrow Foundation for deprived and talented sports kids.

*Tyrone

The  launch, which is scheduled to hold in March in Abuja, is expected to officially mark the beginning  of what observers expect to become one of the biggest charities to be anchored by a former footballer, who has been involved in similar acts of charity in the United States of America, where he has touched the lives of many poor Americans, thousands of whom have been fed by the former Flying Eagles star.

Okoku has also spearheaded similar charity works in Nigeria, with his donation, alongside Stephen Keshi and Godwin Odiye, of computers, laptops and power generating plant to his alma mater, St Paul;s Primary School in Lagos, till fresh in our minds.

He also sponsored the  annual inter-house sports of St Paul’s in honour of his deceased mother, to the delight of pupils and teachers of the school.

After doing all these acts on his own, Okoku, whose foundation is recognised by the United State Government, said it was time to expand the scope so that more can be done for the untapped talents who dot every sphere of the country.

“I strongly believe that there is more to be done in the area of charity for sports and economic development and hope that the launch of the Greater Tomorrow Foundation in Abuja will start our road to shaping the lives of our youths and children”, said Okoku is a chat with Sports Vanguard.

Top sports administrators and business czars are expected to grace the launch in March and to add razzmatazz to the high-profile event, Okoku said that Mr Universe will be around to flex and lend his strong support to the programme.

“He has given his support to the event and said he would be there to flex and give pep talk to our wrestlers and body-builders, ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. I think this event is going to reshape the concept of charity work in our country. I have been involved in this for some years now in the USA and want to bring my wealth of experience back to my motherland for the  benefit of our young ones”, added Okoku

On his part, Mr Universe said he made the decision to be part of the launch of the Greater Tomorrow Foundation because of the impact it would make in the lives of deprived and talented youngster, who he informed can become superstars of the future if properly guided and supported by the society..

“Charity work is something that is very dear to me and when Okoku told me of his plans, I was excited and did not hesitate to key into the programme because if properly followed through, this project has the capability of shaping the lives of deprived youngsters”, said Mr Universe.