Matthew, who has served as an advisor to Mission 89 since 2018, now joins Ode Fulutudilu as the second sports figure to represent the organization as an Ambassador.

Once a victim of trafficking himself, Matthew has been a vital figure for Mission 89 in tackling child trafficking in and around sport. His inspiring story has raised awareness about the severity of trafficking of young athletes around the world. Currently, Matthew is the CEO of GEAP-F Media Ltd., operating ELEGBETE TV & RADIO on YouTube to tell stories of local coaches and players who are treated as superstars at home, even before they go abroad.

As Mission 89 Ambassador, Matthew will serve as a delegate of the organization by using his name, voice, and platform to reach young players vulnerable to trafficking, to raise awareness, and to fight against human trafficking in and around sport.

QUOTES

“We are so happy to officially announce Edafe Matthew Eseoghene as our ambassador. Matthew has been Mission 89’s companion since its establishment and has played an indispensable part in telling the reality of trafficking in sport to our associates and audiences. He is yet another shining personality we all look up towards, and together we can take another big step to mitigate the exploitation of young athletes.”

Lerina Bright – Executive Director, Mission 89

“It is an honour to be picked as an ambassador for such a brand that is committed to fighting a good fight. As someone who’s been a victim before, this has a personal touch for me.”

Edafe Matthew Eseoghene – CEO, GEAP-F Media Limited

QUICK FACTS

• At the age of 20, Matthew was a victim of trafficking in football and after being abandoned by an illegitimate football agent in Cape Verde for 11 months without a contract or any financial support.
• Since 2007, Matthew had worked as a sport analyst and journalist for Al Jazeera, HiTV and Brila FM.
• In 2014, Matthew was a commentator at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
• In 2017, Matthew started his own media company called GEAP-F Media Ltd., owners of ELEGBETE TV & RADIO on YouTube.

Mission 89 Ambassador Programme

The Mission 89 Ambassador Programme is a social influencing and community outreach initiative that uses the positive values of sport to raise awareness of human trafficking within the context of sport. The Ambassador role is assigned to high-profile personalities who have been thoroughly appraised and selected by the organization.

The post Edafe Matthew Eseoghene announced as Mission 89 Ambassador appeared first on Mission89.

Ode, the new addition to our family, is the first personality to sign up to the Mission 89 Ambassador Programme.

Ode Fulutudilu’s journey from refugee to professional footballer is truly remarkable and is inspirational to young athletes all around the world. Fleeing from a civil war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and taking refuge in South Africa at a young age with her family, her determination and passion for football won her a scholarship to study in the United States and to play professionally in Europe.

As Mission 89 Ambassador, Ode will work as a delegate of our organization by using her name, voice and platform to reach the hearts and minds of the vulnerable, raising awareness and fighting against human trafficking in and around sport.

QUOTES

“We are delighted to welcome Ode Fulutudilu to Mission 89. Our Ambassador Programme seeks to engage social change makers around the world to combat trafficking in the name of sport. Ode’s interest in social justice issues and education, are very much aligned with ours. Her journey, background, and personality are something that younger generations can learn from and admire.”

Lerina bright – Executive Director, Mission 89

“I am incredibly humbled to be representing such an organization that is bringing a light to a problem that not many people think of, or associate with, sports. Human trafficking in the world of sport has gone unnoticed and unchecked for many years because not enough people talk about it. I hope to help bring awareness to the exploitation that sometimes occurs when young people want to go into sport, and in doing so help develop people’s knowledge and awareness about the issue.”

Ode Fulutudilu – Forward, Aland United & Mission 89 Ambassador

QUICK FACTS

• In 2014, after graduating from Lee University in Tennessee, Ode was called up to Banyana Banyana, the South Africa Women’s National Football Team.
• In 2018, she scored 15 goals in 22 games playing for ONS Oulu Women in Finland’s Naisten Liiga, earning the title of the club’s top goal scorer.
• In 2019, she signed for Spanish Primera division side Malaga CF Femenino, becoming the first South African player to play football in a Spanish top division.
• In 2020, Ode Fulutudilu joined Aland United in Finland. She also hosts a podcast ‘And She Plays’, to encourage and motivate future and present female football players.

Mission 89 Ambassador Programme

The Mission 89 Ambassador Programme is a social influencing and community outreach initiative that uses the positive values of sport to raise awareness of human trafficking within the context of sport. The Ambassador role is assigned to high-profile personalities who have been thoroughly appraised and selected by the organization.

The post Ode Fulutudilu Announced as Mission 89 Ambassador appeared first on Mission89.