FAME Women’s Day Football Tournament 2024

FAME Foundation organized its annual Women’s Day Football Tournament on March 8, 2024, in commemoration of International Women’s Day under the theme “Count Her In: Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress”.

The event which was aimed at celebrating women’s achievement, promoting gender equality, and empowering women around the world was supported by the Bet9ja Foundation, The British High Commission, the FCT Football Association, and the USA Embassy in Nigeria.

Hajia Nana Shettima, wife of the vice president, who was represented by Hajia Bilikisu Kyari, wife of Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security kicked off the event.

The event was graced by Hajia Nana Shettima, wife of the Vice President, who was represented by Hajia Bilikisu Kyari, wife of Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. David Greene, US Deputy Head of Mission in Nigeria, Mrs. Gill Lever, the Deputy British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. David Buom Choat, Ambassador of South Sudan to Nigeria, Mr. Christophe Bazivamo, Rwandan Ambassador to Nigeria, Sports Administrators, among others.

Madam Bilikisu Kyari who kicked off the event, applauded FAME Foundation for building a platform that enables women and girls to thrive by encouraging their active engagement in the advancement and progress of their communities.

“Today’s football event exemplifies the many activities that encourage the progress of women and girls in society. We must work together in the public and private sectors to empower women and create programs that will assist the girl-child to succeed as she enters the competitive world.”

She emphasized the importance of empowering women and educating girls, urging the government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), individuals, stakeholders, and groups to prioritize it.

She also expressed the government’s readiness to collaborate with organizations dedicated to promoting women’s welfare and securing a better future for girls.

Speaking to the Press, Arabinrin Aderonke Ogunleye-Bello, Executive Director of FAME Foundation, emphasized the deliberate selection of football for the competition, highlighting its role in uniting Nigerians.

“FAME International Women’s Day football tournament marks its fifth edition today. Annually on March 8th, we gather to honor and celebrate women from diverse backgrounds, spanning all sectors of society, given Nigeria’s heterogeneous nature, sports, particularly soccer, stands as a unifying force”.

She further underscored the significance of the football tournament as a robust platform for promoting women’s empowerment and the development of the girl-child.

“When sports, particularly football—the most popular game in Nigeria and the world—is played, it transcends barriers. It doesn’t matter where you come from or what language you speak; we all come together, embracing one another and finding joy in each other’s company. This is why FAME Foundation is deliberate about utilizing sports, which serves as a unifying force in Nigeria, to convene people and chart a path towards supporting women.”

She continued by saying,

“Each year, we commit to this cause. Concurrently with the tournament, we provide essential health services such as hepatitis and HIV testing, cervical cancer screenings, and distribute free male and female condoms while offering guidance on their usage to prevent STIs.”

“The purpose behind all of this is to foster unity among women. Additionally, we’re proud to announce that ten exceptional girls from low- to middle-income households across the FCT have been selected to receive full scholarships. These girls possess immense potential, and today, we’re thrilled to provide them with this opportunity. Today is a day dedicated to supporting women, promoting inclusivity, empowering females, and awarding scholarships.”

The competition kicked off with a match between Team FAME and Team USA, and the remaining teams also competed: Team British High Commission, Team Canada, Team EAC, Team FIDA, Team AWITA, Team ANFS, Team ASHWAN, and Team Bet9ja.

As the tournament progressed, a group of beautifully costumed cheerleaders from L.E.A Primary School Jabi Kpadna encouraged the teams and thrilled all of the guests.

Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria also provided eye, hepatitis B, HIV, malaria, and cervical cancer screenings throughout the event.

Throughout the game, all sides displayed incredible courage and enthusiasm, but Team EAC emerged victorious after defeating Team FIDA in a penalty shootout that concluded 4-2. Team FAME emerged in third place.