By Andrew Abah, ABUJA
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has commended Nigerian female athletes for their outstanding contributions to sports, emphasizing their role in bringing national pride and success.
Speaking at a football tournament in Abuja, organized by FAME Foundation to commemorate International Women’s Day 2025, Dikko highlighted the remarkable achievements of female athletes across various sports.
The event brought together women from diverse sectors, including grassroots communities, to celebrate empowerment, teamwork, and inclusivity through football.
Dikko said: “You can see how sports have been seamlessly integrated into the celebration of Women’s Day, and this speaks volumes about its unifying power. Sports is a national asset, it transcends our differences, brings us together, and fosters unity. Look around, women from all sectors of society, from the corporate world to law enforcement, are here, having a good time.
“In the world of sports, we are deeply passionate about women and youth, especially female athletes. History itself proves their significance, Nigeria’s first-ever Olympic medal was won by a woman.
“Our Tigers, you can see what they are doing in basketball, the women trying to always do more than even the men. Even in football, the Super Falcons have won more half-courts than the men. They have won to the quarterfinals of the World Cup.
“So women are very critical. Even when we go to athletes, for example, most of the medals, everywhere we go, women, wrestling women. So their are very critical and very important to us.”
In her remarks, the Executive Director of FAME Foundation,Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, emphasized the need for gender equality in sports, stressing that women must continue to fight for their rights and recognition.
She highlighted the role of sports as a unifying force in Nigeria and called for its use as a tool to empower women, regardless of their background or social status.
She said: “For me, every day is Women’s Day. Celebrating women today doesn’t make it special, women are special. This year’s theme, Equality and Empowerment, makes the celebration even more meaningful. I’m happy to support it and excited for every woman. Women should be proud, especially on a day like this.
“The motivation behind this day is women themselves. Every day, a woman somewhere is beaten. Every day, a woman is cheated. Every day, a woman is denied her rights. Every day, at least one woman globally is denied access to leadership or decision-making. Every day, a woman is abused. These injustices continue to rise daily, yearly, and beyond. That is why we must keep speaking up.
“Advocating for women’s rights, empowerment, gender equity, and equality cannot be overemphasized. It is our right. It is something we must continue to fight for. Women have long been denied support and fairness, but now is the time to take a stand and demand what is rightfully ours.
“We have women from all walks of life those in high positions of society and those from grassroots communities. We have women from IDP camps, career women, office workers, the educated, the illiterate, and beyond. Together, we are moving forward. We are also working alongside people with disabilities, because inclusion matters.”
Also speaking at the event, Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, called for more inclusive policies to ensure women play a greater role in leadership across various sectors, including sports, politics, and governance.
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He said: “Women play a crucial role in our society, and their challenges must be addressed. Beyond that, we must recognize that women are a driving force in this country,” Olawande said.
“We all come from women. Throughout our lives, we remain connected to them, as mothers, sisters, wives, and mentors. They are essential to personal and societal growth, not just in Nigeria but globally.
