Sports
FAME Foundation to the World: Para Athletes Need Empowerment, Not Sympathy
Joel Ajayi
The founder of FAME Foundation (Female Advocacy, Mentoring, and Empowerment), Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, has called on the global community to support, not pity, para athletes.
Speaking at the recently concluded Play the Game 2025 Conference held in Tampere, Finland, Atoyebi emphasized that athletes with physical challenges require empowerment, policy support, and inclusion not sympathy.
Aderonke, a fearless journalist and lifelong advocate for women and girls in sports, has consistently championed the rights of marginalized groups through her foundation.
Known for her bold and passionate advocacy, she reiterated that para athletes deserve the same opportunities and resources as their able-bodied counterparts.
The international conference, held from October 5th to 8th, brought together journalists, policymakers, and global stakeholders to discuss pressing issues under the theme: “Breaking Barriers in Sports: Integration of Marginalized Groups and Persons with Disabilities.”
Delivering a powerful and interactive lecture, Atoyebi stated: “I want to conclude by saying that para athletes around the globe need our support, policy reviews, and implementation—not our pity. They don’t need sympathy; what they truly need is empowerment.”
Her impactful contribution at the event further amplified Africa’s voice in the global call for inclusion, equality, and policy-driven change in the world of sports.
Sports
NSC Appoints Tunde Adelakun as Chairman, Diaspora Talents Discovery Committee
The leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC) has appointed seasoned sports technocrat, Tunde Adelakun as chairman of its newly established Diaspora Talents Discovery Committee.
Director General of the NSC, Honourable Bukola Olopade, who made the announcement on Wednesday, said the leadership of the commission, led by Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko, carefully selected Adelakun for his wealth of experience in sports, especially within the diaspora.
The DG noted that the committee is of great importance to the commission, as it will further strengthen the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s sports development through scientific approaches to achieving sustainable podium excellence.
“Myself and Mallam Shehu Dikko are very excited with the direction we are heading to ensure we harness all the resources we have as a country, both at home and abroad, to achieve sports excellence, and this committee will take care of the diaspora aspect.”
“Adelakun, with his rich diaspora network and connections, will help us to get thousands of our sons and daughters willing to represent our great country with pride and dignity,” he said.
The newly appointed Chairman, Tunde Adelakun, said the appointment means a lot to him and described the initiative as one that will change the landscape of Nigerian sports.
“This is a case of adopting international best practices to harness all the resources, both at home and abroad, to attain sporting excellence.
“We have a lot of Nigerians in the diaspora who are willing to compete for the country, and our job is mainly to create that smooth platform for them to feel that homely welcome.”
SIGNED:
Dr. Mrs. Kehinde Ajayi, FCAI, ANIPR
Director, Information and Public Relations
National Sports Commission
January 9, 2026
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