Sports

Round Peg in Round Hole: Minister’s Aide Drums Support for Rising Stars Football League

Published

1 year ago

August 31, 2024

The Special Assistant on Grassroots Development to the Honourable Minister of Sports, Adeboye Adeyinka Anthony, has praised the efforts behind the Rising Stars Football League, highlighting its role in promoting sports at the grassroots level and contributing to community development.

Adeboye expressed his admiration for Ifeanyi Khana, the Project Coordinator of the Rising Stars Football League, stating, “Ifeanyi Khana and his team have done a fantastic job in overseeing this very important project. Their commitment to fostering grassroots sports is commendable and demonstrates the potential of private initiatives in driving sports development in Nigeria.”

He further emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between the government and private sector in promoting sports, saying, “The Ministry of Sports alone cannot develop sports in this country. We need private sector initiatives like the Rising Stars Football League to come on board and support our vision. It is through such partnerships that we can truly unlock the potential of our youth and create sustainable pathways for talent development.”

Adeboye also underscored the broader impact of the league on community development, adding, “Beyond just sports, initiatives like the Rising Stars Football League contribute significantly to community development. They provide a platform for young talents to showcase their skills and serve as a unifying force in communities. This is why the Ministry is keen on supporting and encouraging more of such grassroots projects.”

He concluded by calling on more private entities to get involved in grassroots sports, stating, “We encourage more private organizations and individuals to step up and invest in grassroots sports. It’s not just about finding the next big star, but about building a strong foundation for the future of sports in Nigeria. Together, we can achieve great things and make sports a major force for positive change in our society.”

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Sports

FAME Foundation to the World: Para Athletes Need Empowerment, Not Sympathy

Published

2 hours ago

October 8, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi
The founder of FAME Foundation (Female Advocacy, Mentoring, and Empowerment), Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, has called on the global community to support, not pity, para athletes.

Speaking at the recently concluded Play the Game 2025 Conference held in Tampere, Finland, Atoyebi emphasized that athletes with physical challenges require empowerment, policy support, and inclusion not sympathy.

Aderonke, a fearless journalist and lifelong advocate for women and girls in sports, has consistently championed the rights of marginalized groups through her foundation.

Known for her bold and passionate advocacy, she reiterated that para athletes deserve the same opportunities and resources as their able-bodied counterparts.

The international conference, held from October 5th to 8th, brought together journalists, policymakers, and global stakeholders to discuss pressing issues under the theme: “Breaking Barriers in Sports: Integration of Marginalized Groups and Persons with Disabilities.”

Delivering a powerful and interactive lecture, Atoyebi stated: “I want to conclude by saying that para athletes around the globe need our support, policy reviews, and implementation—not our pity. They don’t need sympathy; what they truly need is empowerment.”

Her impactful contribution at the event further amplified Africa’s voice in the global call for inclusion, equality, and policy-driven change in the world of sports.

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