Fame Foundation Marks International Women’s Day with 9th Football Tournament
The atmosphere in Abuja came alive on Friday, March 6, 2025, as the Fame Foundation launched the ninth edition of its annual Women’s Day Football Tournament, marking the celebration of International Women’s Day with enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and a strong message of unity.
The tournament, which has become a yearly highlight for women’s sports, brought together participants from different backgrounds to showcase their skills and celebrate the growing involvement of women in football.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of Fame Foundation, Arabinrin Aderonke, expressed delight at the increasing number of women embracing football, a sport long perceived to be dominated by men. She described the development as a clear sign of progress and empowerment for women across the country.
Aderonke noted that the sight of women actively participating in football reflects broader social change. According to her, every match played and every goal scored symbolizes progress, inspiring more women and girls to participate in sports and pursue opportunities previously considered out of reach.
She also highlighted the significant turnout of Nigerian women, especially those from the northern part of the country, describing their participation as encouraging and a strong indicator that attitudes toward women in sports are evolving.
Over the years, the tournament has attracted thousands of participants and has served as a platform for promoting unity in Nigeria’s diverse society. Aderonke emphasized that sports remain one of the few elements capable of bringing Nigerians together beyond ethnic, religious, or cultural differences.“What keeps us going is the enthusiasm and determination of the women who continue to show up and play,” she said, adding that the foundation remains committed to sustaining the initiative.
The competition is strictly designed for amateur players, creating a relaxed and inclusive environment where women from various professions and social backgrounds can participate. Participants range from professionals such as lawyers to women from internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, highlighting the tournament’s wide reach and inclusive nature.
Beyond sports, the event also serves as a platform for civic engagement.
As a civil society organization, the Fame Foundation uses the gathering to advocate for policies that support women and girls. The presence of the Minister of Women Affairs at the event underscored the collaboration between the foundation and government institutions in promoting gender-focused initiatives.
Aderonke stressed the role of non-governmental organizations in holding public institutions accountable and ensuring that commitments made to women translate into practical benefits.
In her remarks, the Minister of Women Affairs, Suleiman-Ibrahim, praised the Fame Foundation for sustaining the tournament over the years and congratulated the teams participating in the competition. She described Nigerian women as dynamic and talented, stressing the importance of creating more opportunities for them to thrive in different sectors, including sports.
The minister also highlighted the federal government’s commitment to prioritizing women’s issues, noting that the current administration has placed women at the center of national development efforts. According to her, the government remains ready to partner with organizations such as the Fame Foundation to promote creativity, innovation, and leadership among women.
She further linked the tournament to President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of 2026 as the “Year of the Family and Social Development,” explaining that empowering women and strengthening families contribute to building safer and more resilient communities.
The minister also celebrated Nigeria’s achievements in women’s sports, particularly the success of the national women’s football team and the women’s basketball team on the continental stage.
She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to encouraging women’s participation in sports and emerging sectors such as digital innovation as part of efforts to prepare them for leadership roles.
Concluding her address, Suleiman-Ibrahim delivered a message of optimism for women and girls across the country, assuring them that more programs and opportunities would soon be rolled out to support their development both at grassroots and urban levels.
Describing the moment as one of renewed focus on women’s advancement, she declared that the time has come for women to take their rightful place in shaping the nation’s future.
