In a heartwarming twist of fate, 16-year-old Phillip Adeeri Fagbenro, a member of the Ekiti State Little League Baseball team, has become the face of youth empowerment in Nigeria. His story began in 2018 when, at just nine years old, he crafted a functional baseball glove using cardboard, thread, and copper wire—a feat that earned global acclaim and a place in the World of Little League Museum .
Today, that same ingenuity has unlocked a life-changing opportunity.
Through the relentless efforts of Mr. Ayo Ojo, Ekiti State’s Technical Advisor on Youth Inclusion, Phillip’s handmade glove caught the attention of Shima, CEO of Abuja based MERGERICK Nigeria—a Japanese-Nigerian baseball glove manufacturer. Impressed by Phillip’s creativity, MERGERICK Nigeria has signified interest to gift him a professional-grade glove and opened discussions for potential training and mentorship to help him pursue a career in professional baseball which will be presented to him this week.
Mr. Ojo, whose office operates under Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s youth-centric agenda, described the partnership as a testament to Ekiti’s commitment to nurturing talent. “When we say ‘seen, heard, supported, and valued,’ this is what we mean,” he said. “Phillip’s story is proof that no dream is too small when the right doors are opened.”
The collaboration was made possible through Mr. Ojo’s global network with Mr.Manato Sato who works closely with the Nigerian Baseball and Softball Association (NBSA).He stressed that Governor’s vision is clear: equip young people with tools to thrive.
Phillip’s passion aligned perfectly with MERGERICK’s mission to empower African athletes .
This breakthrough he explained aligns with his office “I’M IN” campaign, designed to connect Ekiti youths with industry leaders, grants, and international partners. Mr. Ojo emphasized that the initiative is not limited to sports reiterating that whether it is tech, arts, or agriculture,his office is ever ready to link the state’s youth to opportunities that turn their skills into success stories.
MERGERICK Nigeria, known for producing affordable, high-quality baseball gear locally, has also pledged to explore long-term collaborations with Ekiti’s youth programs.
Recall that Phillip’s original glove, once displayed in a U.S. museum as a symbol of resilience, has now become a catalyst for real-world change. His new glove, to be delivered soon, symbolizes hope for countless youths in Ekiti, where over 60% of the population faces economic challenges .
Governor Oyebanji’s administration has hailed the achievement as a milestone.
Mr. Ojo urged Ekiti youths to embrace the state’s support systems maintaining that the office’s doors are open.He charged them to sign up, share their dreams and guide them.
As Phillip gears up to train with his new equipment, Ekiti waits eagerly to see its next generation of innovators, athletes, and leaders rise.
