Sports

FCT Handball Association Express Shock over Late Coach Hanatu Dada

Published

4 years ago

February 15, 2022

The Federal Capital Territory, FCT Handball Association have described as great shock the passing unto eternal rest of Coach Hanatu Shuaibu Dada

Coach Dada, popularly called “Mama Handball” and a dedicated member of the FCT Handball family, died on Monday, February 14, 2022.

In a press statement, the Chairman of the FCT Handball Association, Ambassador Dr Edward Olutoke described the death of “Mama Handball” as an irreparable loss to the handball family in FCT and Nigeria generally.

He noted that Late Dada was a committed coach, with unblemish record. Lamenting that her death, which was a rude shock to the board have created a vacuum too big to fill.

“I recieved the death of Coach Hanatu Shuaibu Dada with rude shock. It was a devasting news to me and the new board when the secretary informed us of her passing unto eternal rest.

“I did not know her from Adam. In fact, our board was just set up barely a month and within this period I saw a willing individual who was passionate about her job as a coach of the association.

“The first day I met her, I had to make more enquires about her because she captured my attention how she went about her duties within the short period. Very committed and hardworking coach we have lost.

“She was called “Mama Handball” a name she well deserved. If indeed there should be a particular time for her to die, I would say this is not the right time but we cannot question God.

“The board mourns her death and we pray God to grant her soul lasting peace.

“The FCT Handball Association commiserates with the family, FCT sports ministry and the entire handball players across the globe who have lost a wonderful mother.

“The association will wait for the family to announce the burial arrangements before releasing our own activities to celebrate a well spent life,” the Chairman said.

Until her death, Coach Hanatu Shuaibu Dada was the Second Vice Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women in Sports (NAWIS), FCT

Late Coach Hanatu Dada who was a level 14 civil servant with the FCT Ministry, was the coach of the State Handball Team.

Hailed from Plateau State, Late Coach Hanatu Dada was a professional coach with humane disposition to her athletes, fellow coaches and the board of the FCT Handball Association.

She was a giver, helper and builder who sacrificed alot and worked assiduously for the growth of handball in the FCT and Nigeria at large

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Sports

“Aderonke Atoyebi Wins Big in Denmark, Inspires Global Recognition for Nigerian Women in Sports

Published

6 hours ago

November 3, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria’s own Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi has brought immense pride to the nation after being named the International Sport and Culture Association (ISCA) Role Model of the Year at a ceremony held in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The biennial ISCA Awards honour individuals and organizations that use sports and physical activity as tools for social change, inclusion, and empowerment across the globe. This year’s edition drew nominations from several countries, spotlighting outstanding figures who have transformed their communities through the power of sports.
Atoyebi’s unwavering commitment to gender equality and youth empowerment has made her a prominent voice in the sports-for-development space. Through her advocacy and leadership, she continues to demonstrate how sports can serve as a bridge for education, unity, and hope—especially among young women in Nigeria and beyond.
As part of the recognition, Atoyebi received a €3,000 cash prize along with the global visibility that accompanies the prestigious ISCA honour.
Speaking shortly after receiving the award, she expressed deep gratitude and excitement, dedicating the recognition to her team and everyone who has supported her journey.
> “This award means a lot to me. It’s a testament to the hard work my team and I have put in over the years,” Atoyebi said. “Being recognised on such an international stage proves that no effort toward positive change ever goes unnoticed. It motivates me to keep pushing boundaries and reaching more girls who need hope and opportunity.”

Atoyebi’s global recognition further strengthens Nigeria’s growing influence in the global dialogue around sports, development, and women’s empowerment. Her story continues to inspire a new generation of African women to believe that with passion, dedication, and purpose, they too can create lasting change.

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