Dikko, Women Affairs Minister Laud FAME Foundation for Advancing Women’s Empowerment Through Sports

Joel Ajayi

Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Malam Shehu Dikko, alongside the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim have commended the FAME Foundation for its commitment to promoting women’s empowerment and social inclusion through sports initiatives.

They gave the commendation during  9th editions of football competition organised by the foundation in Abuja to commemorate the 2026  International Women’s Day. 

The tournament featured 13 teams, including women representing the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), National Union of Teachers, National Youth Service Corps, women from Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) communities amongst other.

Speaking at the event, Dikko highlighted the crucial role women have played in the growth and achievements of Nigerian sports.

According to him, women have consistently delivered outstanding performances for the country, particularly in international competitions and grassroots development.

“Women have always been the foundation of our families and even in sports. If you look at the history of Nigerian sports, women have always come through for us, especially at the junior level and in international competitions,” he said.

The NSC chairman noted that Nigerian women have continued to break barriers and record landmark achievements across different sporting disciplines.

 He therefore urged stakeholders to support programmes that encourage female participation and leadership in sports.

Dikko also praised the leadership of FAME Foundation for promoting initiatives that go beyond women’s empowerment to include good governance, inclusiveness, and support for vulnerable groups.

“I am always proud to associate with their programmes. It is not just about celebrating women; it is about promoting good governance, good administration, and advancing causes that benefit society,” he added.

In her remarks, founder of the foundation,  Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi emphasised the power of sports as a unifying force capable of promoting social change.

She explained that the annual football tournament has grown significantly since its inception and now attracts thousands of participants each year.

“This is the ninth edition of this tournament. We started at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium and have now moved to the Area 3 pitch, with thousands of participants taking part every year,” she said.

Arabinrin noted that Nigeria’s diversity makes sports one of the strongest tools for unity.

She further explained that the competition provides a platform for women from different professions and backgrounds to interact and build relationships beyond the football pitch.

Also speaking, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Sulaiman-Ibrahim, commended Nigerian women for their resilience, creativity, and contributions to national development.

She reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to advancing women’s rights and expanding opportunities for women and girls across the country.

“Nigerian women are phenomenal, energetic, smart, and creative. We must continue to support them through policies and programmes that encourage their growth,” the minister said.

She also praised FAME Foundation for using sports as a tool to empower women, foster inclusion, and promote social integration.

The minister further revealed that the Federal Government has declared 2026 the Year of the Family and Social Development, an initiative aimed at strengthening families as the foundation for stronger communities and national growth.

“My message to all women and girls, especially the vulnerable, is that their dreams are valid. The government remains committed to supporting them,” she added.

The football competition formed part of activities marking International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on March 8 to recognise women’s achievements and promote gender equality across the world.