Sports
NWFL hosts UTA delegation, set to collaborate to advance Women’s Football Rising initiative
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.
Sports
PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon Splashes Big Prize Money Ahead Of 14 November 2026 Race
Top Three Elite Finishers To Earn $8,000, $6,000 And $5,000 Respectively
The organisers of the highly anticipated PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon have announced an attractive prize package for athletes across every category ahead of the race on 14 November 2026 in Abuja.
The prize announcement has been welcomed by athletes and coaches, as the event continues to establish itself as one of the leading road races in Nigeria. The race offers local athletes the chance to compete against international runners in front of a home crowd, while also earning meaningful rewards.
In the elite category, first place earns $8,000, second place takes $6,000, third place gets $5,000, fourth place receives $4,000, fifth place goes home with $3,000, sixth place earns $2,000, seventh place takes $1,000, and eighth place gets $500.
In the Nigerian category, first place earns ₦2,000,000, second place takes ₦1,500,000, third place gets ₦1,000,000, fourth place receives ₦500,000, fifth place goes home with ₦300,000, sixth place earns ₦200,000, seventh place takes ₦100,000, and eighth place gets ₦50,000.
According to the organisers, the prize structure reflects the commitment of PremiumTrust Bank to the growth of athletics in Nigeria and to the encouragement of home based athletes. The separate Nigerian category ensures that local runners are properly recognised and rewarded for their performance.
The half marathon, which covers 21 kilometres, remains an important event for long distance runners. It serves as a test of endurance and preparation, and it provides a competitive platform for athletes building towards major national and international competitions.
The race is expected to draw elite athletes, club runners, corporate teams, fitness enthusiasts and supporters from across Nigeria and beyond. The turnout is expected to be high, given the interest already shown since registration opened.
Organisers have advised interested runners to register early through the official registration portal of the race to secure their participation, as arrangements are being put in place for timing, security, medical support and traffic management on race day.
The prize money is now confirmed, attention will shift to the athletes as they complete their final weeks of training and preparations ahead of the race day.
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