Sports

Sports Minister Tasks Federations On African Games, Olympics, Paralympics Podium Finish

Published

2 years ago

January 11, 2024

Joel Ajayi

The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has urged Federations to podium finish in the upcoming African Games, Olympics as well as Paralympics.

Speaking during a technical meeting with sports federation presidents at the Moshood Abiola Stadium on Thursday in Abuja, he said the meeting aims to foster collaboration, and synchronize plans, and strategies for collective actions among the various sports federations for podium finish ahead of international competition in the year and beyond.

He reiterated his commitment and determination to take the nation’s sports to greater heights and sued for the cooperation of the various stakeholders.

According to him, Looking at where we are coming from, there is no reason why we should not hold periodic meetings between the Ministry and the various sports federations. On our part, the Ministry is fully committed to ensuring that these meetings take place periodically because we have a shared responsibility with the sports federations.

“It was necessary for the Federations to push for a podium finish in all the competitions.

“We will be participating in the African Games, Olympics and Paralympics.

“Federations must work hard to finish on the podium in all their events

” Let me thank you for all the work that you have thrown into the development of different sports.”

The Minister commended the Ministerial Podium Performance Advisory Team led by Professor Ken Anugweje and the Presidents of the various Sports Federations for the work they are doing in the various federations.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports Development, Ismaila Abubakar, said that the meeting was convened by the minister to enable the various stakeholders to brainstorm and evolve strategies for the nation to achieve success at the African, Olympic/Paralympic Games and other sports competitions.

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Sports

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

Published

1 hour 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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