For the first time in Nigeria, the Baltimore Ravens, a leading American football team, and Oweh’s Foundation for Opportunity, in partnership with United Way Nigeria (UWN), has brought the Caw to Action initiative to Olusosun Primary School in Ikeja, Lagos.

Caw to Action is the Baltimore Ravens’ annual day of service, where volunteers come together to give back to their communities through meaningful activities. Its debut in Nigeria marks a significant milestone, extending this culture of service across borders to empower Nigerian children through literacy and creativity.

Over 10.5 million children are out of school in Nigeria, and fewer than six per cent of children under five own three or more books. This effort supports Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable education for all.

The Art and Book Buddies programme transformed Olusosun Primary School into a vibrant hub of learning and fun, with interactive reading sessions, art workshops, and educational games sparking joy and imagination among students.

A key highlight was the donation of a fully stocked reading corner, providing students with their first regular access to a welcoming reading environment and easy access to books to foster strong reading habits and address Nigeria’s literacy challenges. This donated reading corner will serve as a daily resource for students and teachers, laying a foundation for improved learning outcomes.

While speaking at the event, the Executive Director, United Way Nigeria, ‘DeolaDurodola, said, “Look around you today, this Art and Book Buddies programme is transforming Olusosun Primary School, lighting up young minds with books, creativity, and hope. This donated reading corner is more than a space; it is a spark for new dreams, empowering these children and uplifting Ikeja.

“At United Way Nigeria, we will continue to stay committed to providing quality education so every community can thrive, and we are so grateful to the Baltimore Ravens and Oweh’s Foundation for making this life-changing moment possible.”

Speaking at the event, Coordinator, Community Relations, Drew Meyer, said Caw to Action has been a staple of the Ravens organisation since 2019. The yearly day of service was designed to encourage Ravens fans to volunteer and support their community, while also promoting local nonprofit organisations.

“What started as a local day of service has grown into an International Day of Volunteering. In 2019, the Ravens accounted for 3.3 million minutes of service throughout the state of Maryland.” This year, Caw to Action totalled nearly 11.5 million minutes of volunteering across the United States, Canada, and Nigeria. In collaboration with OdafeOweh, Oweh’s Foundation for Opportunity (OFO), and United Way Nigeria, we were thrilled to have the support and participation of the Lagos community.”

Adding to his existing work in Nigeria and his recent two-day football camp for more than 100 kids in Lagos, Odafe was excited to continue his support to the Lagos community through Caw to Action. We are so proud of Odafe and his continued commitment to his communities and were thrilled to work with him through Caw to Action.