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
Nigeria Volleyball Reporters Congratulates Oguntimehin On Election As Fct Swan Chairman
The Nigeria Volleyball Reporters Association (NVRA) has congratulated Tolu Oguntimehin on his election as Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter.
NVRA described his emergence as an opportunity to strengthen sports journalism and advance the welfare of members.
Oguntimehin emerged victorious at the FCT SWAN elective congress held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, defeating his challenger, Raphael Ekpang, by 88 votes to four.
In a congratulatory message, the Chairman of Nigeria Volleyball Reporters, Alhaji Ganiyu Oloyede described the election outcome as a testament to the confidence reposed in Oguntimehin by members of the association.
Oloyede expressed optimism that the new chairman would bring purposeful leadership, inclusiveness and renewed commitment to the development of sports journalism in the FCT.
He stressed that the responsibility of leading the association goes beyond occupying an office.
Oloyede noted that the new administration must prioritise members’ welfare, professional development, unity and the protection of their collective interests.
The NVR chairman also challenged the incoming leadership to create an enabling environment where sports journalists can thrive professionally, gain greater access to sporting events and contribute meaningfully to the growth of Nigerian sports.
He particularly welcomed Oguntimehin’s commitment to establishing a ₦200 million financial base for the association, describing the proposed initiative as an ambitious step towards building a financially stronger and more sustainable SWAN FCT.
Oloyede further emphasised the importance of collaboration among sports journalists, sports federations, government institutions and other stakeholders, maintaining that stronger partnerships would create more opportunities for members and improve the quality of sports reporting.
He urged the new executive to embrace transparency, accountability and open communication while ensuring that every member feels represented in the administration.
The Nigeria Volleyball Reporters reaffirmed its readiness to work with the new SWAN FCT leadership in promoting sports journalism, strengthening professional relationships and projecting Nigerian sports positively.
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