Sports

NOC Women’s Commission Celebrates Nigeria’s Pioneer Female Athletes

Published

3 months ago

July 1, 2026

Cyril Ogar

The Women’s Commission of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) has honoured 17 pioneer female athletes who represented Nigeria at major international competitions, in recognition of their immense contributions to the country’s sporting history.

The award ceremony, held in Abuja, attracted several key stakeholders in the sports sector, including the Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, represented by the Director of the Federation of Elite Athletes Development (FEAD), Mrs. Mbora Ikhana; President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engr. Habu Gumel; President of the Association of Retired Nigerian Sportsmen and Women (RENISA), Sunday Adeleye; Third Vice President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee and President of the Nigeria Olympians Association, Olumide Oyedeji, among other distinguished guests.

Speaking at the event, President of the NOC Women’s Commission, Professor Florence Adeyanju, described the recognition as long overdue, noting that the athletes made enormous sacrifices in representing Nigeria at a time when support for sports was minimal.

According to her, many of the athletes competed under difficult conditions, with some even participating barefooted at international competitions, yet remained committed to bringing honour to the nation.

She said the initiative was designed not only to celebrate the pioneers but also to inspire the next generation of athletes by assuring them that their sacrifices would always be remembered.

Professor Adeyanju expressed optimism that the awards would become an annual event with sustained support from the Nigeria Olympic Committee and other stakeholders, stressing that retired athletes deserve to be celebrated while they are still alive.

Representing the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Mrs. Mbora Ikhana commended the initiative, describing it as consistent with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the welfare-driven policies of the Commission under the leadership of Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director-General Hon. Bukola Olopade.

She said the Commission remains committed to improving the welfare of both active and retired athletes and will continue to support initiatives that recognise their invaluable contributions to national development.

President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engr. Habu Gumel, applauded the Women’s Commission for organising the event and commended the award recipients for their sacrifices and dedication to the nation.

He noted that the recognition aligns with the International Olympic Committee’s renewed emphasis on celebrating sporting legends and assured that the Nigeria Olympic Committee would continue to support programmes that honour past heroes and inspire future generations.

Also speaking, Third Vice President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee and President of the Nigeria Olympians Association, Olumide Oyedeji, described the initiative as timely and commendable.

He noted that the Nigeria Olympians Association runs a similar programme under the theme, “The Labour of Our Heroes Past Shall Never Be in Vain,” which focuses on Olympians, while the Women’s Commission initiative recognises athletes across the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games and African Games.

Oyedeji commended the National Sports Commission for its renewed commitment to athlete welfare, expressing confidence that the leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko and Hon. Bukola Olopade would continue to introduce programmes that improve the lives of retired athletes.

Some of the award recipients, including Grace Ishaku, Bilikisu Popoola and Mrs. Dele Garko, expressed appreciation to the organisers for recognising them while they are still alive.

They recalled competing under difficult conditions, sometimes barefooted and with little or no support, adding that they never imagined they would one day be honoured by their country.

They described the recognition as a source of encouragement for younger athletes and urged them to remain committed to representing Nigeria with pride.

A total of 17 pioneer female athletes were honoured, with four receiving posthumous awards.

Share on Facebook

Sports

AACT 2026: 31 Days to Africa’s Big Sporting Gathering in Abuja

Published

22 hours ago

October 2, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The countdown to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) has officially entered the final month, with just 31 days to go before Africa’s leading women’s team golf championship tees off at the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja.

In a statement signed by the AACT 2026Director of Communication Kayode Adeniyi on Friday in Abuja.

Under the theme “Africa Is Coming to Abuja,” the countdown campaign will spotlight the championship, the participating nations, the players, the host venue and the growing development of women’s golf across the continent.

The 2026 AACT, scheduled for November 2–7, will bring together women’s golfing talent from across Africa for six days of continental competition in Nigeria’s capital.

As preparations continue at the IBB International Golf & Country Club, attention is increasingly turning to Abuja, where the championship will provide a platform for African golfers to compete while also showcasing Nigeria’s hospitality and the country’s growing profile as a destination for major sporting events.

The countdown will feature daily stories, interviews, player and country profiles, tournament facts, behind-the-scenes updates and features on the host venue as the championship draws closer.

The campaign will also highlight the role of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the Local Organising Committee and other stakeholders in preparing for the continental championship.

With just 31 days remaining, anticipation is building across the African golfing community as Abuja prepares to welcome the continent’s leading women golfers.

Africa is coming to Abuja.

Share on Facebook