The founder of the Association of Nigeria Women in Sports (NAWIS), Prof. Florence Adeyanju, has issued a powerful call to the association’s members in various sports federations, urging them to maintain their integrity and serve as mentors to the next generation. adeyanju’s message emphasizes the pivotal role women leaders play in shaping young female athletes’ careers and character.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja, adeyanju stated that the mission of NAWIS is to build formidable careers for women and girls in sports, and that this requires representatives to stand strong in the face of challenges.
She underscored that the responsibility of each representative is to guide and mentor young girls in sports, likening their role to that of a mother. this approach is central to the association’s wider goal of empowering women, promoting their inclusion and equality, and encouraging their participation in all sporting activities.
“The association’s objectives and mission are to support girls and women in sports, both locally and internationally.
“All eyes are on NAWIS, and the responsibility is to impact girls and women; we must stand strong against any challenge. The more you are united, the better for everyone of us and the association,” Adeyanju said.
The National President of NAWIS, Adefunke Suleiman, reiterated that the association was established to ensure that women and girls develop their careers through sports.
She said the association was introduced to protect the interests of girls and women, protect them against any form of harassment and help them attain their desired goals in their chosen careers.
“I express my profound gratitude to various stakeholders for their support and contributions to the association, especially the Chairman, National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, for giving us all the support, and the Director-General of NSC, Bukola Olopade, for always being with us.
“Please keep supporting us, and we promise not to disappoint you.
“I also commend the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation for giving the Super Falcons the full support which led to their continental achievement at the 2024 WAFCON,” She said
Suleiman emphasised the importance of taking care of the female athletes and women in general, noting that the love and care from President Bola Tinubu was so exceptional.
NAN reports that 29 candidates were elected unopposed to represent NAWIS across different sports federations nationwide on Aug. 1.
