Ijeoma Okigbo
Aderonke Arabinrin, Founder of Fame Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, reiterates that sports promotes unity, inclusion, and can be a powerful tool for social change.
She said this at a football competition on Friday in Abuja.
The tournament, organised to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD), featured 13 teams, including women representing International Federation of Women Lawyers, Nigeria; National Union of Teachers, National Youth Service Corps, and Internally Displaced Persons communities.
Arabinrin noted that the annual event had grown into a major platform attracting thousands of participants each year, using football to unite women across religious, ethnic, and social divides.
“This is the ninth edition of this tournament. We started at Moshood Abiola National Stadium and have now moved to the Area 3 pitch with thousands of participants each year.
“Nigeria is heterogeneous, and sport is one of the few things that unify us. Whenever the national teams play, religion, tribe, or state does not matter. Everyone supports Nigeria,” Arabinrin added.
She explained that the tournament created a space where women from diverse social classes and professions interact, compete, and build relationships beyond the football pitch.
“You can see lawyers playing alongside women from IDP camps, all in a friendly atmosphere designed to promote sisterhood, inclusion, and social cohesion.
“This is what we want to see and promote,” she said.
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, commended Nigerian women for their resilience, creativity, and contributions, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to advancing women’s rights and opportunities nationwide.
“Nigerian women are phenomenal, energetic, smart, and creative. We must continue to engage and support them through policies and programmes that encourage their growth,” the minister said.
She lauded Fame Foundation for using sports to empower women, promote social integration, and foster inclusion, emphasising the government’s commitment to expanding opportunities for women across the country.
The minister also revealed that the Federal Government declared 2026 the Year of the Family and Social Development, aimed at strengthening homes 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, highlighting the administration’s focus on women, children, and families.
Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), lauded the competition organisers and hailed women’s contributions to Nigeria’s sporting success, saying women had consistently played vital roles in sports and families alike.
“Women have always been the foundation of our families and our sports.
“Our Olympic medals, national football, basketball teams, and individual sports achievements, women have always represented Nigeria and made us proud,” he said.
Dikko emphasised the need for sports stakeholders to support initiatives that empower women and increase female participation in sports, commending Fame Foundation for advocating women’s development and social inclusion.
“They have been doing amazingly well, promoting good governance and helping the less privileged.
“I always align with their programmes because they support women and vulnerable groups, improving society,” he added.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8 to recognise women’s achievements and promote gender equality. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru
