Sports

We will continue to organise more grassroots Athletics competitions-Ameh

Published

4 years ago

October 23, 2022

The organiser of the maiden edition of athletics competition , Christopher Ameh said they will continue to organise more athletics competitions to discover raw talent that will represent the country in major International competitions.

Ameh disclosed this on Saturday to newsmen at the closing ceremony of the two days athletics competitions at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja.

The event is organised by OSI Sports Foundation in collaboration with the Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN)
Ameh who is also the founder of ‘OSI Sports Foundation’ which is a non profitable organisation said the mission and vision of the foundation is to give nigerian youth a better life in the future.

According to him, the essence of the competition is to take kids away from the street so as to reduce the rate of crime and atrocity in the country.

“I’m a coach a train kids in Abuja, Kaduna and Katsina, this is all about grassroots competition to discover and to prepare young athletes for future engagement.

“We were able discover some talents that we will continue to work on them , to give them an opportunity to have a better education.

“The government can not do it alone this is our way of contributing to the society,” he said.

The organiser said it is necessary to invest in athletes so that they will give back to the nation a fruitful results in the future.

“Athletes like Tomi Amusa, Ese Brume started like this, they were discover in a grassroots event land today they are making the country proud.

“This is because some people invested in them and today everybody is proud of them.

“We need the support of rich nigerian, phylantropists and private organisations to invest in athletics ,”he said
Speaking after the competition, the winner of the women category 800m Helen Mamman said she is happy that she won the run.

“This is my first time of running 800m in four years now. I did not believe I could win the race.

“Now I run 5,000 to 10,000km, I need to work more on my run so that I will be able to run faster than this.

“This is one of event that athletes need to be doing time to time, we lack constant competitions that will make us better and prepare us for International events.
“If we can get more sponsors to organise constant events for us, we the athletes will be grateful,”she said

Ibrahim Sani, the winner of 800m in the men category said he decided to participate in the competition to measure his ability.
“Regular event will make us to be focus and serious in any competition, we don’t want once in a year competition.

“If we can have a competition like this five time in a year it will improve our performance,” he said.

The events are 100m 400 and 800m , long jump ,short jump, discus throw, shot put discus, javelin among others.

The two days event which started on Friday ended on Saturday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium
NAN.

Share on Facebook

Sports

NSC, NOC Task Journalists on Gender Equality in Sports Reporting

Published

59 mins ago

October 26, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, and the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engr. Habu Gumel and Chairperson of the NOC Women’s Commission, Professor Florence Adeyanju, have urged sports journalists to intensify awareness of women’s participation and achievements in sports.

They made the call on Monday in Abuja while speaking at the opening of a two-day seminar organised by the NOC Women’s Commission for sports journalists, aimed at promoting gender equality and improving media coverage of women in sports.

Olopade stressed that women could not be sidelined in Nigeria’s sports development, urging journalists to give greater attention to female athletes and their contributions to the sector.

In his remarks, Eng Gumel said the media had a significant role in shaping public perception of women in sports, noting that balanced and inclusive reporting would encourage more girls to participate and inspire women to take up leadership positions.

He described the seminar as a strategic initiative to change the narrative surrounding women’s participation and achievements in sports, while commending the Women’s Commission for its commitment to promoting gender equality.
According to him, the seminar was designed not merely to improve sports reporting but also to change the narrative surrounding women’s participation and achievements in the sporting sector.
He noted that the programmes had helped build capacity, provide mentorship and inspire women to contribute more effectively to sports development
The president described the journalists’ seminar as a strategic way to conclude the tenure of the current Women Commission, expressing satisfaction that its final programme focused on the media’s influence in advancing women’s participation in sports.

He urged participants to make the most of the seminar by engaging actively, asking questions and acquiring the knowledge needed to become advocates for women in sports journalism.

Earlier in her welcome addressed, the Chairperson of the NOC Women’s Commission, Professor Florence Adeyanju, called on journalists to use their influence to promote fairness, inclusiveness and equal opportunities for women and girls in sports.

Adeyanju observed that although sports had traditionally been perceived as a male-dominated field, many women had overcome barriers to participate and excel.

She noted that sports offered enormous benefits to girls, including improved skills, self-confidence and resilience, while opening doors to lifelong opportunities.

According to her, journalists’ reports, photographs and attitudes significantly influence public perceptions of female athletes, warning against coverage that prioritises physical appearance over sporting skills and achievements.

She urged participants to embrace modern sports reporting techniques that challenge stereotypes and remove barriers that have hindered women’s participation in sports.

Adeyanju also encouraged the journalists to share the knowledge acquired at the seminar and produce reports that would inspire future generations.

She expressed appreciation to Gumel and the NOC board for supporting the commission’s initiative.

Share on Facebook