Sports
Dikko, Women Affairs Minister Laud FAME Foundation for Advancing Women’s Empowerment Through Sports
Joel Ajayi
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Malam Shehu Dikko, alongside the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim have commended the FAME Foundation for its commitment to promoting women’s empowerment and social inclusion through sports initiatives.
They gave the commendation during 9th editions of football competition organised by the foundation in Abuja to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day.
The tournament featured 13 teams, including women representing the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), National Union of Teachers, National Youth Service Corps, women from Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) communities amongst other.
Speaking at the event, Dikko highlighted the crucial role women have played in the growth and achievements of Nigerian sports.
According to him, women have consistently delivered outstanding performances for the country, particularly in international competitions and grassroots development.
“Women have always been the foundation of our families and even in sports. If you look at the history of Nigerian sports, women have always come through for us, especially at the junior level and in international competitions,” he said.
The NSC chairman noted that Nigerian women have continued to break barriers and record landmark achievements across different sporting disciplines.
He therefore urged stakeholders to support programmes that encourage female participation and leadership in sports.
Dikko also praised the leadership of FAME Foundation for promoting initiatives that go beyond women’s empowerment to include good governance, inclusiveness, and support for vulnerable groups.
“I am always proud to associate with their programmes. It is not just about celebrating women; it is about promoting good governance, good administration, and advancing causes that benefit society,” he added.
In her remarks, founder of the foundation, Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi emphasised the power of sports as a unifying force capable of promoting social change.
She explained that the annual football tournament has grown significantly since its inception and now attracts thousands of participants each year.
“This is the ninth edition of this tournament. We started at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium and have now moved to the Area 3 pitch, with thousands of participants taking part every year,” she said.
Arabinrin noted that Nigeria’s diversity makes sports one of the strongest tools for unity.
She further explained that the competition provides a platform for women from different professions and backgrounds to interact and build relationships beyond the football pitch.
Also speaking, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Sulaiman-Ibrahim, commended Nigerian women for their resilience, creativity, and contributions to national development.
She reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to advancing women’s rights and expanding opportunities for women and girls across the country.
“Nigerian women are phenomenal, energetic, smart, and creative. We must continue to support them through policies and programmes that encourage their growth,” the minister said.
She also praised FAME Foundation for using sports as a tool to empower women, foster inclusion, and promote social integration.
The minister further revealed that the Federal Government has declared 2026 the Year of the Family and Social Development, an initiative aimed at strengthening families as the foundation for stronger communities and national growth.
“My message to all women and girls, especially the vulnerable, is that their dreams are valid. The government remains committed to supporting them,” she added.
The football competition formed part of activities marking International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on March 8 to recognise women’s achievements and promote gender equality across the world.
Sports
NSC DG, Olopade Celebrates Nigeria at 66, Assures of More Progressive Sports Development Under President Tinubu
Joel Ajayi
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has congratulated Nigerians as the nation celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary, describing the milestone as a reflection of Nigeria’s resilience, unity and remarkable capacity to excel on the global stage, particularly through sports.
Hon. Olopade said Nigeria at 66 is an occasion every Nigerian should be proud of, noting that despite the challenges encountered over the years, the country has continued to make significant progress and produce achievements capable of inspiring generations.
The DG said the sports sector has particular reasons to celebrate, pointing to a series of performances and milestones by Nigerian athletes and teams across the global sporting landscape.
“Today, we celebrate the resilience of our people, the strength of our unity and our belief in the promise of our great country, especially through sports.
“As we raise our flag with pride, may we remain committed to building a nation where every Nigerian has the opportunity to dream, thrive and succeed.”
Hon. Olopade said the progress being witnessed in Nigerian sports aligns with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria Sports Development (RHINSE), which he said is focused on creating a stronger and more sustainable pathway for athletes, while positioning sports as a tool for national development, youth empowerment and global recognition.
He pointed to Nigeria’s outstanding performance at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games as one of the latest examples of the country’s sporting potential. Team Nigeria returned from Glasgow with 24 medals, comprising 10 gold, seven silver and seven bronze, finishing seventh overall and as the highest-ranked African nation at the Games. The campaign also produced three world records and a number of historic milestones across para powerlifting, athletics, weightlifting, para athletics and judo.
Among the standout performances was that of Team Nigeria captain Folashade Oluwafemiayo, who won gold in para powerlifting and twice broke the world record during the competition, ultimately lifting 175kg. Goodness Nwachukwu also successfully defended her Commonwealth title in the women’s para discus and set a new world record, while Nigeria recorded historic Commonwealth gold medals through Samuel Ogazi in the men’s 400m, Ezekiel Nathaniel in the men’s 400m hurdles and Chukwuebuka Enekwechi in the men’s shot put.
“Today, Nigeria is a global force in para-sports, and athletes such as Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Goodness Nwachukwu continue to demonstrate the extraordinary talent and determination that exist within our country,” Hon. Olopade said.
He also celebrated the continued dominance of D’Tigress, Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, which in 2025 became the first nation to win five consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket titles after defeating Mali 78-64 in the final in Abidjan in the last edition. The achievement extended Nigeria’s unbeaten run in the competition to 29 games and secured qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup pathway.
On the global athletics scene, Hon. Olopade highlighted the continued excellence of Tobi Amusan and the emergence of a new generation of Nigerian sprinters. Amusan won silver in the women’s 100m hurdles at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest in September 2026, clocking 12.34 seconds in the final, while Kayinsola Ajayi added another significant milestone by winning Commonwealth bronze in the men’s 100m and helping Nigeria to bronze in the men’s 4x100m relay in Glasgow.
Nigeria’s football heritage, Hon. Olopade noted, remains another major source of national pride. The country holds the record for the most FIFA U-17 World Cup titles, with five championships won by the Golden Eaglets in 1985, 1993, 2007, 2013 and 2015.
He also pointed to the country’s growing influence in emerging sports, including flag football. Nigeria made history by winning both the men’s and women’s titles at the inaugural IFAF Africa Flag Football Championship in Cairo in 2025, earning qualification for the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships ahead of the sport’s Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028.
“These achievements across athletics, para-sports, basketball, football, weightlifting, flag football and other sports remind us that Nigeria possesses immense sporting talent,” the DG said.
“From our champions who continue to break world records to our young athletes who are announcing themselves on the international stage, the Nigerian flag continues to fly with pride around the world. This is why the development of sports must remain a national priority. Our responsibility is not only to celebrate champions after they emerge, but to build the systems, facilities, competitions and opportunities that allow more young Nigerians to become champions.”
“As we celebrate 66 years of our independence, we celebrate Nigeria’s past, but we must also look confidently toward the future. Our athletes have shown us what is possible when talent meets opportunity, preparation and support. The task before us is to ensure that more Nigerians have that opportunity,” the DG added.
“On behalf of the National Sports Commission, I wish all Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary. May our great nation continue to grow in strength, unity, prosperity and sporting excellence,” Hon. Olopade concluded.
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