Joel Ajayi

Abuja, November 8, 2023 – The Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) received a delegation from the United Towns Agency for North-South Cooperation (UTA) in Abuja. 

The purpose of this meeting was to explore mutual interests and partnership opportunities. The NWFL has been actively engaging with various organizations to foster social, economic, structural, and technical growth within the country’s women’s football league.

The meeting, held at the NWFL headquarters in Wuse Zone 7, Abuja on Wednesday, provided a platform for discussions on strategic collaboration.

Ms. Nkechi Obi, Chairman of the NWFL, warmly welcomed the UTA team, to discuss partnership strategies that would leverage the agency’s resources and expertise to support the development of women’s football.

Ms. Obi expressed her vision for this collaboration, stating, “We are delighted to have hosted the Global General Secretary of the United Towns Agency, Amb Eya Essif. The message is clear: women’s football presents a unique opportunity to advance gender equality, grassroots development, and overall community well-being.”

She continued: “At NWFL, we are committed to promoting football and empowering the girl child. We eagerly anticipate what UTA will bring to the table with the MOU, which we have already drafted and submitted. In no time, we will sign the agreement and embark on programs and initiatives to drive gender equality and community development.”

Ms. Obi was accompanied by NWFL board members, including Alhaja Rukayat Lola Alaya, retired referee Hadiza Musa, Ms Henrietta Ehiobor, and NWFL Chief Operating Officer, Ms. Modupe Shabi. 

The UTA delegation, led by Eya Essif, the Global Secretary General of the United Towns Agency for North-South Cooperation (UTA), and Princess Abigail Amalaha, the country president of UTA, who represents an organization accredited by the United Nations, based in Geneva, Switzerland. 

UTA operates in 110 countries and is involved in a wide range of humanitarian projects, including irrigation systems, electricity, environmental protection, human rights, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Eya Essif emphasized the agency’s commitment to working alongside NWFL to enhance its capacity for resource mobilization and support for gender equality and women’s football development, particularly at the grassroots level. This partnership will encompass financial and technical assistance aimed at strengthening the NWFL’s capabilities, expertise, and resources for the betterment of young girls through football.

Essif highlighted the significant role that UTA can play as a partner in boosting the growth of the women’s league, reaffirming the agency’s dedication to addressing development challenges within women’s football, and aligning with NWFL’s goals.

“We are here to strengthen our partnership with the women in Nigeria and to champion gender equality in football,” the Tunisian-born businesswoman said.

“Our aim is to bridge the existing gaps and make this vision a reality. I am highly optimistic about promoting this cause in Nigeria.”

Also corroborating the stance of Essif, Mrs Amalaha, a renowned Nigerian journalist, said: “Today, we join hands with the Nigeria Women Football League to fortify our relationship between developing nations and to pave the way for development. Our shared mission is to advance women’s football, empower women, and contribute to the progress of our countries.”

Also part of the UTA delegation was Executive Officer, Austin Anene; Project Coordinator, Engr. Patrick Udeme; Protocol/Programme Officer, Oyekunbi Ashamu, and Audio Visual/Information Officer, Collins Peter.

The parties have identified the potential signing of a UTA-NWFL strategic initiative as the next crucial step in their collaborative efforts. 

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