Yobo’s pledge to help Nigerians

Jul 19 2007 Liverpool Daily Post

Joseph Yobo (158)

SUPER Eagle and Everton defender Joseph Yobo has voiced his determination to help under-privileged children from his home in the Niger Delta of Nigeria.

The 26-year-old has spent the summer doing work for his Joseph Yobo Charity Foundation.

Born in Kono, the area where he grew up lacks basic amenities, such as running water, electricity and schools. But, Yobo still feels he was lucky. He said: “I grew up in an average family and finished secondary school, other people were not so fortunate. There were people who were not able to realise their potential, even though they were brilliant, because their families were poor. The foundation is helping people achieve their full potential.”

Yobo has handed out 300 educational scholarship awards. He has also visited charity homes where his foundation donated food, mattresses and around $20,000 in funds.

Yobo added: “My vision is to take this project to all of Nigeria. When I went to the homes of abandoned kids and those living with HIV/Aids I was close to tears and begun to appreciate how lucky we are. Such places make you feel sad and I have vowed to do the best I can to help relieve their struggle.”