Sports
2023 Ladies In Sports Conference Focuses On Fight Against Human Trafficking.
A one-day conference at the Marriott Hotels, Ikeja, Lagos, held on Friday the 16th of June 2023 discussed and agreed on collaborative modalities to tackle human trafficking and modern slavery in Sports.
The event was hosted by Ladies In Sports, a Nigerian based foundation, which brought together personalities from all works of life to design efforts to end this human right violation.
“Expanding the fight against human trafficking” was the topic of the next panel of the conference moderated by Dr. May Ikeora, a human rights and women empowerment advocate.
During the session, speakers Laurent De Boeck – Chief of Mission of International Organization for Migration (IOM) to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Ojonuka Ajuda, Head of Women’s Football at Integral pointed out that human trafficking in sports does not only affect men.
Ajuda revealed that her department has received complaints from some women who have been exploited and abandoned in another country.
“Women find it difficult to speak about it” She added, while emphasising on the need to create awareness.
“Women’s sport is still developing, so women athletes are already in a vulnerable position and so fake agents want to prey on them.”
De Boeck added that even men are afraid to speak up, but he urged victims to have the courage. The IOM provides protection and assistance to victims of trafficking, ensuring freedom and a chance at a new life. He said that the social pressure from families and communities also makes some athletes desperate. Then when things go south the victims blame themselves.
The panellists urged sports stakeholders to be intentional about ensuring that athletes have a safe environment to thrive, starting from the grassroots. They also emphasised on the education of the athletes and their parents. “They should attend conferences like this, and there is a lot of information online, FIFA’s regulations and policies are publicly accessible,” Ajuda advised.
LIS Founder Tega Onojaife expressed immense gratitude to everyone who graced the 7th LIS Conference as well as the sponsors that contributed to making the event a reality.
Sports
Kukkiwon President Hails Popoola’s Impact on Nigerian Taekwondo, NTF Boss Celebrates One Year of Progress
The President of the Taekwondo Federation of Nigeria, Grand Master Tayo Popoola has received a letter of commendation from the president of Kukkiwon, Yun Ung- Suk, for her outstanding contribution to the development of the sport.
Grand Master Popoola was hailed for her consistent drive improving the game within a short time of her stewardship in the NTF and the dissemination of Taekwondo activities in Nigeria to the global space.
The commendation letter dated October 25, 2026, was personally signed by Kukkiwon President, Ung-Suk.
Popoola said the commendation came to her as a pleasant surprise.
“I did not see that coming but It is a good one not only for me but the entire federation. I did not do it alone and it is also a challenge to do much more in the days, weeks and months ahead. I thank all the board members and I am optimistic that we will do more for the athletes,” Popoola said.
Incidentally, it is just about one year in office for Grand Master Popoola who has recorded a string of successes in the federation including the National Open Trials in Abeokuta, the Africa Taekwondo Championship 2026 in Bamako Mali where Nigeria won several Medals, the first ever Micheal Opeyemi Bamidele National Taekwondo Championship which took place last month in Lagos and the recently held Korean Ambassador Cup in Abuja which also had in attendance the World Kukkiwon Demonstration team.
The demonstration team dazzled fans in Abuja with spectacular display only last weekend just as the para-athletes in taekwondo were duly classified by experts from the world body in preparation for the Los Angeles Olympics 2028.
“I want to thank the National Sports Commission for the support given to me and the entire NTF. Things can only get better,” Popoola stressed.
-
Featured7 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured7 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured7 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured7 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Featured7 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
-
Sports4 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News2 years agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
