Sports

FG Commends ABL Unity Football Tournament in Abuja

Published

3 years ago

July 31, 2023

Joel Ajayi

Federal government has heaped huge praises on the successful execution of the inagural edition of the Adedayo Benjamin-Laniyi football Unity tournament described the tournament as the best.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development Abubarkar Ismaila while speaking at weekend during the grand finale of the tourney inside the Main bowl of Moshood Abiola National Stadium said that government will not relent in creating an enabling environment for Nigerian youth to be excel.

According to him, I am delighted to be very part of this occasion ABL Unity Football Tournament which is very much in line with mandate of government through Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.

“That is why we partnered the organizer of this tournament, with aim of promoting unity amongst Nigerians and I must say that this commendable, it’s coming at the best time Nigeria need unity, I therefore commend you for this initiative.

“Our duty is to provide enabling environment for our youth to showcase their talent, hoping that organizer and critical stakeholders will identify them and provide opportunity to succeed in life.”
He however assured that the ministry will restructure the game of football for better performance.

Speaking also was the Initiator of the ABL unity tournament Mrs Adedayo Laniyi expressed that the championship have aim of fostering unity and discover grassroot talents for the national teams.

She added that, She will not relent her in her effort to ensure she put smiles on the faces of Many Nigerians through different initiatives.

“In the coming two weeks players discovered here, will be in camp and by September there will be upward movement of successful ones to abroad for better opportunities.
“Nigerian youth will no doubt have a place in international community through grassroot discovery that is our target.”

However, the Legend Football Club of Abuja has emerged champion of the maiden edition of the ABL Football Unity Tournament on Saturday in Abuja, after a 2-1 victory against their counterpart Maracana FC of FCT.

The three weeks explosive encounter see the champions smiled home with N3.5millions while the runner-up won N2 million as the third position pocketed N1 million.

The tournament, ABL FCT Unity football championship, started on July 8th of July and climax on Saturday 29th July 2023 with over 1,200 young footballers, with 80 teams in the six area councils in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) competed for honours.

The diginitaries at occasion was the representative of the federal government and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development Alhaji Abubarkar Ismaila, The Onah of Abaji, His royal Majesty, Alh. (Dr) Adamu Baba Yunusa the Chairman of Nigeria Premier Football League, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, the founder of Human Right Radio Ordinary Ahmed ISSA amongst others..

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Sports

SWAN President Calls for Gender-Fair Reporting in Sports Journalism

Published

8 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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