2026 FAME Foundation Football Tourney: Dikko Reaffirms NSC Commitment to Nigerian Women
By Gabriel Kekong
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Shehu Dikko, has reiterated the commission’s commitment to supporting women in sports in Nigeria.
He made this known during the ninth edition of the FAME Foundation International Women’s Day Football Tournament held on Friday, March 6, at the Area 3 playing ground, Abuja. He lauded the organizers of the tournament and hailed women’s contributions to Nigeria’s sporting success, saying they consistently play vital roles in sports and families alike.
“Women have always been the foundation of our families and our sports,” Dikko said. “Our Olympic medals, national football and basketball teams, and individual achievements—women have always represented Nigeria and made us proud.”
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.
Ms. Rinsola Abiola, Director-General of the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC) and a prominent figure at the event, emphasised multifaceted approaches to uplift women across various sectors.
Abiola outlined several strategies for empowering women. “There are many ways to empower women—through education, finance, gender-responsive budgeting, empowerment grants and loans,” she stated, stressing the need for legal protections and easier access to finance. She also highlighted leadership development, advocating programmes in mentorship and capacity building to encourage women to take more active roles in building society and the nation.
Expressing enthusiasm for the tournament, she praised women’s participation: “It’s beautiful to see our women being active. It’s key to be active and healthy.” She celebrated Nigeria’s reputation as a major exporter of sporting talent, noting that many are women. “It’s good to see so many young women still in the pipeline, developing their talents and contributing to sports and gender empowerment.”
She concluded by commending the organisers: “Personally, I’m very happy and enthused. I commend FAME Foundation, ably led by Arabinrin Aderonke, for bringing everyone together and putting this beautiful event together.”
Meanwhile, the Executive Director of FAME Foundation, Arabinrin Aderonke, reiterated that sports promote unity, inclusion and can be a powerful tool for social change.
Core Reporters report that the tournament, organised to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day, featured 13 teams, including women from the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, National Union of Teachers, National Youth Service Corps, and Internally Displaced Persons communities.
Arabinrin noted that the annual event has grown into a major platform attracting thousands of participants, using football to unite women across religious, ethnic and social divides.
