Sports Minister Sunday Dare urged stakeholders, communities, and men to support Nigerian girls and women in sports by creating and opening opportunities for them. He made the appeal on Wednesday at the FAME Foundation’s annual women’s football tournament, which was held to commemorate International Women’s Day (IWD). IWD, celebrated each year on March 8, is a global day that honors the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and calls for accelerated gender equality. This year’s theme, “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality,” highlights the digital gender gap’s role in widening economic and social inequalities, underscores the need to protect women’s and girls’ rights in digital spaces, and addresses online and ICT‑facilitated gender‑based violence.
Dare emphasized that investing in women and girls benefits entire communities and nations. “Women have moved up the ladder in many fields, especially sports. There is no longer a glass ceiling in sports. At the Olympics, our two medalists were both women—Ese Brume and Blessing Oborodudu,” he said. “The narrative has changed; they are receiving better shares, better opportunities, and doors are opening for them. All we need is for our women and girls to walk through those doors.” He added that the best contribution society and men can make is to open those doors, noting that women are already equipped to succeed.
Aderonke Ogunleye‑Bello, Executive Director of the FAME Foundation, called on the incoming administration to ensure gender equity and equality, particularly in the sports sector. “We have been demanding equality for a long time, especially regarding welfare in Nigerian sports. Female athletes still do not receive the same support as their male counterparts. The new Youth and Sports Minister must prioritize equity, equality, and top‑notch welfare for female athletes,” she said. Ogunleye‑Bello highlighted the foundation’s belief that sports serve as a tool for unity, innovation, and development. Over the past five years, the foundation has celebrated women, addressed issues of sexual and domestic violence, and empowered them in leadership roles, while also offering activities such as HIV screening and pap tests.
The sports minister commended the foundation’s efforts and urged other non‑governmental organisations to champion women’s advancement as a means to promote unity and development.
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