Sports

Dare Inaugurates Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball Federation

Published

3 years ago

May 23, 2023

The Honourable Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Sunday Dare has inaugurated the newly elected Board Members of the Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball Federation with a view to creating more opportunities for youth with disabilities to excel in the field of sports.

Dare who inaugurated the Board on Monday in his office at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja stated that the constitution of the Board is also part of efforts aimed at actualizing the mandate of the recently established National Sports Festival and Para-sports Department (NSF & PS) by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Administration to provide room for youth with disabilities to also showcase their sporting talents to the world.

Represented by the Director, Federations and Elites Athletes Department (FEAD) of the Ministry, Dr Simon Ehbojiaye, the Minister said that para-sports is one of the games that has brought Nigeria global recognition in the field of sports through their podium performances at various international competitions.

He restated Federal Government’s commitment to reinvigorating the sports sector in line with the progressive agenda of engaging and empowering the teeming Nigerian youth, especially those with disabilities so as to enhance wealth creation and self reliance.

“It should be placed on record that the determination to constitute a new Board for Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball Federation shows the commitment of the Federal Government to reinvigorating the sports sector in line with the progressive agenda of engaging and empowering the teeming Nigerian youth for wealth creation”, he added.

The Minister stated further that “since the inception of the present Administration, there has been a paradigm shift in the management of Sports and it has remained a veritable tool for National cohesion, peace, progress and National diplomacy, both in Nigeria and all over the world”
He therefore called on the newly elected Board Members to avail themselves with the Rules guiding the operations of the Federation.

Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, urged the new Board Members to work as a team in order to enjoy commendable successes for the Federation.

Represented by the Acting Director, National Sports Festival and Para-sports Department (NSF & PS), Mrs.Tecla Opara, the Permanent Secretary assured that the Ministry will continue to create an enabling environment for the implementation of government policies, programmes and initiatives in the country especially as it relates to Sports and Youth.

Responding, the President, Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball Federation, Mr. Oluseyi Johnson commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his commitment to sports development,and Para-sports in particular.

He thanked the Honourable Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, Permanent Secretary Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar as well as the Top Management of the Mnistry for the opportunity given to them to serve.

Mr Johnson assured that the Board will work assiduously to ensure the country records more podium appearances in all competitions.

Other members of the Board inaugurated are: Prof. Olubayo Faturegun, Iyedirin Felix, Feluma Venco, Lawani Sani Ado, Ibe Ike, Keshinro Adebayo, Para Eloghebe, Akinde Tony, Dr Collins Aribamikan, and Popoola Babatunde.

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Sports

SWAN President Calls for Gender-Fair Reporting in Sports Journalism

Published

11 hours ago

October 26, 2026

The Gleamer

By Joel Ajayi

The President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Isaiah Kemje Benjamin, has urged sports journalists to eliminate gender stereotypes and bias in their reports to promote fairness, inclusion and greater visibility for women in sports.

Benjamin made the call on Monday in Abuja while delivering a presentation titled “Gender-Sensitive Journalism: Removing Gender Stereotypes and Bias in Sports Reporting” at the Annual Women in Sports Leadership Training/Seminar for Journalists, organised by the Women Commission of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC).

He said sports journalists play a critical role in shaping public opinion, influencing athletes’ visibility and determining which achievements receive recognition, sponsorship and investment.

According to him, the way the media reports women in sports can either reinforce existing barriers or help dismantle them.

Benjamin explained that gender-sensitive journalism requires fairness, accuracy, equality and inclusion, stressing that it does not mean giving female athletes favourable coverage or shielding them from legitimate criticism.

He identified common forms of bias in sports reporting, including giving men’s competitions greater prominence, focusing on female athletes’ appearance rather than performance, defining women by their marital or family status, and questioning their competence in leadership positions.

The SWAN president urged journalists to adopt respectful language, apply consistent professional standards and extend coverage beyond national teams to domestic leagues, grassroots competitions, female coaches, referees and sports administrators.

Using Nigeria’s sporting landscape as an example, he said the achievements of the Super Falcons deserved sustained analysis beyond match results, including discussions on investment, player development, professional leagues and grassroots structures.

He also noted that digital platforms offered opportunities to expand coverage of women’s sports but warned journalists against sensationalism, online harassment and sexist commentary.

Benjamin proposed seven measures, including gender-sensitive editorial guidelines, regular coverage audits, diversified sources, professional development, stronger grassroots reporting and measurable progress.

He called on SWAN to collaborate with the NOC, sports federations, leagues and clubs to improve access to information and strengthen women’s visibility in sports.

He urged journalists to ensure that athletes are judged by their performances and achievements rather than gender stereotypes.

“Gender-sensitive journalism must be fair, not favourable,” he said, emphasising that responsibility for change rests with reporters, editors, broadcasters, photographers and digital publishers.

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