As the world marks International Women’s Day, Brila Media celebrates Debbie Izamoje Okolie, CEO of Brila Media Group and founder of Football for Girls Africa, as a woman building the future of sport by creating access and opportunity for girls across Nigeria and Africa.
She has also contributed to the Nigeria Women’s Football League Task Force and played a pivotal role in the league’s rebrand and the Aisha Buhari Tournament, reinforcing her commitment to advancing women in sport.
Debbie’s initiative, Football for Girls Africa, goes beyond encouraging girls to play football; it introduces them to the wider sports ecosystem — from media and administration to marketing and leadership — helping girls see themselves as part of the sports economy.
“It’s about producing confident women who understand that sport is an economy they can be part of,” she explains, demonstrating the principle of Give to Gain: Women Building for the Future of Women in Sports.
Under her leadership, Brila Media has evolved from a pioneering sports radio station into a multi-platform sports brand with a strong digital presence and millions of engaged fans.
Beyond business growth, Debbie consistently champions female representation and participation in sport, proving that leadership is not only about success, but about opening doors for others.
Despite challenges such as limited funding and invisible work, Debbie remains committed to long-term impact. “Gaining is long-term,” she notes. “It’s schools starting girls’ teams, girls discovering careers in sport, and gradually shifting representation. Real gain is systems changing, not just applause.”
Also read: International Women’s Day: Give to Gain — Brila Media Celebrates Women Building for the future for women in sports
This International Women’s Day, Debbie Izamoje Okolie exemplifies how vision, leadership, and dedication can create lasting opportunities, inspiring the next generation of girls to participate, lead, and thrive in sport.
