Joel Ajayi
The Women’s Commission of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) has honoured 17 pioneer female athletes who represented Nigeria at major international competitions, in recognition of their immense contributions to the country’s sporting history.
The award ceremony, held in Abuja, attracted several key stakeholders in the sports sector, including the Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, represented by the Director of the Federation of Elite Athletes Development (FEAD), Mrs. Mbora Ikhana; President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engr. Habu Gumel; President of the Association of Retired Nigerian Sportsmen and Women (RENISA), Sunday Adeleye; Third Vice President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee and President of the Nigeria Olympians Association, Olumide Oyedeji, among other distinguished guests.
Speaking at the event, President of the NOC Women’s Commission, Professor Florence Adeyanju, described the recognition as long overdue, noting that the athletes made enormous sacrifices in representing Nigeria at a time when support for sports was minimal.
According to her, many of the athletes competed under difficult conditions, with some even participating barefooted at international competitions, yet remained committed to bringing honour to the nation.
She said the initiative was designed not only to celebrate the pioneers but also to inspire the next generation of athletes by assuring them that their sacrifices would always be remembered.
Professor Adeyanju expressed optimism that the awards would become an annual event with sustained support from the Nigeria Olympic Committee and other stakeholders, stressing that retired athletes deserve to be celebrated while they are still alive.
Representing the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Mrs. Mbora Ikhana commended the initiative, describing it as consistent with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the welfare-driven policies of the Commission under the leadership of Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director-General Hon. Bukola Olopade.
She said the Commission remains committed to improving the welfare of both active and retired athletes and will continue to support initiatives that recognise their invaluable contributions to national development.
President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engr. Habu Gumel, applauded the Women’s Commission for organising the event and commended the award recipients for their sacrifices and dedication to the nation.
He noted that the recognition aligns with the International Olympic Committee’s renewed emphasis on celebrating sporting legends and assured that the Nigeria Olympic Committee would continue to support programmes that honour past heroes and inspire future generations.
Also speaking, Third Vice President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee and President of the Nigeria Olympians Association, Olumide Oyedeji, described the initiative as timely and commendable.
He noted that the Nigeria Olympians Association runs a similar programme under the theme, “The Labour of Our Heroes Past Shall Never Be in Vain,” which focuses on Olympians, while the Women’s Commission initiative recognises athletes across the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games and African Games.
Oyedeji commended the National Sports Commission for its renewed commitment to athlete welfare, expressing confidence that the leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko and Hon. Bukola Olopade would continue to introduce programmes that improve the lives of retired athletes.
Some of the award recipients, including Grace Ishaku, Bilikisu Popoola and Mrs. Dele Garko, expressed appreciation to the organisers for recognising them while they are still alive.
They recalled competing under difficult conditions, sometimes barefooted and with little or no support, adding that they never imagined they would one day be honoured by their country.
They described the recognition as a source of encouragement for younger athletes and urged them to remain committed to representing Nigeria with pride.
A total of 17 pioneer female athletes were honoured, with four receiving posthumous awards.
