FAME foundation was established to solicit, encourage and advance the social, emotional and economic wellbeing of women and girls as well as formulate programmes within the framework of national development plan with a view to enhancing the participation of women and advocate for gender parity in the society.
FAME foundation firmly believe that the entire nation, businesses, communities and groups can benefit from the implementation of programs and policies that adopt the notion of women empowerment.
On March 8, 2023, to honor International Women’s Day, FAME Foundation held it’s annual Generation Equality International Football Tournament.
At 8 a.m, eight teams gathered at Garki Area 3 Football Pitch to promote and encourage sportsmanship while also acknowledging and celebrating femininity.
The ceremony began with all participating teams shaking hands with Mr. Sunday Dare, Minister of Youth and Sport Development, Her Excellency Amb. Ntakirutimana Marie Jeanne of the Burundi Embassy, H. E. Amb. David Buom Choat. Ambassador of the Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan in Nigeria, David Greene Deputy US Head of Mission to Nigeria, Charge d’ Affaires of thé Kenya high Commission Mr Samuel Mogere, Mrs Loisette, DRC Congo Embassy, Technical adviser to the FCT Minister of State, Mubdiyu Mustapha Jamie Christoff -High Commissioner in Nigeria – Government of Canada, Chairman of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, Olympics Gold medalist and Special Adviser on Sports to the Minister of Youth and Sports, Amb Mary Onyali, Africa Director, MacArthur Foundation.
Mr. Sunday Dare, Minister of Youth and Sport Development, formally kicked-off the event and also spoke at the ceremony.
“The narrative has since changed and we must pay attention to the women, and I think they are getting a better share, better opportunities, the doors are opened for them and we just need women and girls to walk through those doors” says Mr Sunday Dare.
He called for support and more investment on women oriented programs and states that the day was set aside to confirm and honor the fact that women have advanced in several fields, including sports.
Ms. Aderonke Ogunleye-Bello, the Executive Director FAME Foundation, also spoke at the occasion. She implores the incoming administration to guarantee gender fairness and equality. According to her, the new administration needs to take a closer look at why female athletes do not receive the same assistance as male athletes. The new administration should collaborate with the appropriate federation to guarantee the highest level of welfare and equity for female athletes.
The competition began with a match between Team Ashwan and Team East Africa. As the event progressed, a group of gorgeously costumed cheerleaders from LEA Primary School Jabi Kpadna cheered on the teams and thrilled the participants.
The event was not only about sports. Planned Parenthood Nigeria spoke about family planning and demonstrated the use of male and female condoms. Complimentary condoms were also distributed, eye test, hepatitis, HIV, and cervical screening tests were performed.
The event also had EVA on the ground for condom demonstrations, distribution of IEC materials, and presenting information for SRHR using technology platforms.
Throughout the game, all teams demonstrated tremendous courage and passion, but Team NAWOJ emerged victorious. Team ASHWAN received silver medals as runners-up, while Team FAME/AMAC received bronze.
The medals were presented to the top three winning teams by Alhaji Abba Abdulahi Yola, Chief of Staff to the Minister of Youth and Sport Development.
The Generation Equality International Football Tournament 2023 was highly successful, serving as a reminder and celebration of our common commitment to gender equality. It was amazing to bring together so many people who were all inspired by the same purpose.
FAME urges that government, civil societies, agencies, and individuals should take charge of the situation as another International Women’s Day passes by and consider what may be done to eliminate gender inequity.