Sports

FAME Foundation Teams Up With French Embassy To Empower Youth through Sports

Published

2 years ago

July 6, 2023

Joel Ajayi

FAME Foundation is proud to announce its new partnership with the French Embassy in Nigeria, ahead of the Olympic/Paralympics Games 2024.

The partnership under the Play it Dream it Initiative, strengthening the inclusion of young people and vulnerable people through sport, will inspire and teach valuable life skills to young people – particularly those that are consistently underserved, excluded, or economically disadvantaged.

In a statement Signed on Thursday in Abuja by Communications Officer, FAME Foundation Inyene Idiong revealed that an agreement was signed on July 1, 2023 serves as part of its commitment to creating more access and opportunity for the youth while there will be implementation of a wide range of projects aimed at empowering youths, athletes and promoting crucial social causes.

Far from being limited to the Olympic Games scheduled for the summer of 2024, the French Embassy in Nigeria is committed, in partnership with the NGO FAME Foundation, to uniting young people around the values of Paris 2024: creativity, making the utmost effort and sharing, and thus demonstrate that sport has the power to change everything.

These projects include, National Breaking Championship across 5 states in Nigeria which will be done in partnership with four different Alliances Française and the Institut Francais of Nigeria in Kano, Kaduna, Lagos, Rivers and FCT.

As parts of line up of activities, a Para Soccer competition, Para Weightlifting competition, Girl-Child Education and Menstrual Health Hygiene Workshop at designated IDP camps and schools, and capacity building seminar for Olympics and Paralympics coaches, ahead of the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics Tournaments that will take place in France.

Speaking to the press, Executive Director of FAME Foundation, Ms. Aderonke Ogunleye-Bello said the partnership is an avenue to support Nigerian Youth, Women and Girls, “through this partnership, opportunities will be created that will contribute to youth, women and girls well-being, creativity, and talent discovery while fostering diversity within the sports and underserved community. The Para Sports competition, on the other hand, will provide professional para-athletes the platform to showcase their skills and inspire others to overcome challenges.”

She continued, “since its inception, FAME Foundation has partnered with organizations that are purposefully using physical activities to positively impact communities around the world. With a shared belief that sport is so much more than a game, we are happy to collaborate with the French Embassy in its efforts to create opportunities for millions of young people to engage in sports and break down barriers for those who strive for more.”

FAME Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to empower women and girls, and also, with these projects, we aim to encourage athletes, promote social inclusion, and contribute to a brighter future for Nigeria. The project is financed by the Solidarity Fund for Innovative Projects (FSPI – R) of the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs. It aims to support initiatives in the areas of democratic governance, culture, French, higher education and research.

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Sports

President Federation Cup: Abakaliki FC stun Ikorodu City to romp into final as NNL boss Aluo hails team

Published

4 hours ago

May 22, 2025

The Gleamer

Nigeria National League (NNL) side Abakaliki FC cemented their status as the giant killers of the 2025 President Federation Cup after edging out Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Ikorodu City FC in a dramatic penalty shootout at the Bwari Township Stadium, Abuja.

The tightly contested Semifinal clash ended goalless in regulation time, but it was the Salt City boys who held their nerve to triumph 5-4 on penalties, sending shockwaves across the Nigerian football landscape.

The victory marked yet another scalp for Abakaliki FC, who have already knocked out top-tier sides including Katsina United , Nasarawa United, and Enyimba International in this year’s tournament.

Speaking after the thrilling encounter, Chairman of the Nigeria National League (NNL), George Aluo, lavished praise on the Ebonyi State team for their remarkable journey so far in the competition.

“Abakaliki FC’s run is a clear statement that the NNL is producing quality football. This is not a fluke. They have beaten some of the best teams in the country and deserve to be where they are,” Aluo said. “They have shown resilience, technical quality, and mental toughness. I urge them to stay focused and go all the way.”

Aluo also referenced El-Kanemi Warriors, another NNL side, who famously lifted the trophy last season after beating NPFL side Abia Warriors, suggesting a changing tide in the balance of power between the country’s two top leagues.

Also in attendance was NPFL Chairman, Honourable Gbenga Elegbeleye, who, despite the defeat of a top-tier team, was full of admiration for the underdogs.

“What we’ve witnessed today is the beauty of the Federation Cup. Abakaliki FC played with heart, and their composure during the shootout was commendable,” Elegbeleye said. “This also affirms that the NNL is not just a feeder league but the heartbeat of Nigerian football development.”

The electrifying contest drew a crowd of top football dignitaries, including NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, NFF Second Vice President Gbenga Elegbeleye, NNL CEO Emmanuel Attah, and former Lobi Stars chairman Dominic Iorfa, all of whom commended the level of competition and the quality of football on display.

With the semifinal hurdle now behind them, Abakaliki FC turn their attention to the grand finale, where they will lock horns with Kwara United, in a mouthwatering clash that will decide who lifts Nigeria’s oldest and most prestigious football trophy.

As anticipation builds, one thing is certain: Abakaliki FC have earned their place on the national stage, and they are not done yet. If they can pull off one more upset, the Salt City boys will write their names in Nigerian football history.

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