Are women now better poised for dynamic leadership roles in Nigeria’s sports administration?
The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), in a strategic partnership with Olympic Solidarity, has successfully concluded a transformative three-day advanced gender-inclusive governance course in Abuja.
This has marked a significant milestone in the country’s sports administration landscape.
Held at the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) secretariat in Abuja, Nigeria, from March 24 to 26, 2026
The intensive programme brought together a distinguished cohort of over 52 women, including former elite athletes and current board members of various National Sports Federations.
No fewer than 47 of them were physically present at the venue, while 5 joined virtually, bringing the total to 52 who benefited from the programme.
The initiative was designed to dismantle historical barriers to female leadership by providing these participants with an internationally recognised framework for excellence, grounded in the International Olympic Committee’s global educational standards.
At the heart of the proceedings, NOC President Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel delivered a compelling charge, asserting that the future of Nigerian sports hinges on institutional reform driven by competent and inclusive leadership.
He emphasised that the goal is not merely to increase the number of women in boardrooms, but to ensure they are equipped with the specialised knowledge, confidence, and strategic tools necessary to thrive in high-level decision-making roles.
Gumel noted that while many participants bring invaluable field experience, formal training in modern administration is essential to improve compliance with international standards and ensure long-term institutional growth.
The curriculum, delivered by a team of seasoned experts, delved into the intricacies of governance reform, financial oversight, and organisational accountability.
Lead resource persons, including IOC-certified National Course Directors Dr (Mrs) Esther Oluwatoyin Aluko and the highly experienced NOC Admin secretary, Mr Nweri Emmanuel, alongside Project Officer Mrs Deborah Ijeoma Chidobi, guided the sessions, focusing on practical application.
Dr Aluko particularly challenged the participants to embrace their status as role models, stressing that their responsibility extends beyond boardroom participation to active mentorship and advocacy.
She urged the attendees to replicate the lessons learned within their respective states and federations, fostering a grassroots-to-elite pipeline for future female administrators.
Throughout the three days, the discourse centred on several critical pillars of modern sports management, including ethical leadership, safeguarding principles, and the integration of digital tools for policy implementation.
The programme also served as a high-level networking hub, fostering collaboration and a unified front among women leaders to influence systemic reforms.
As the course drew to a close, the consensus was clear: the empowerment of women in governance is no longer a peripheral goal but a core strategy for transforming Nigeria into a global sporting powerhouse defined by transparency, professionalism, and diverse perspectives.
Retired Air Commodore Rahonatu Garba remarked that she now grasped the essence of the project.
”I am happy I made it to the programme,” the former sports addict who combined playing basketball, handball, and badminton during her younger days as an air force Officer before serving on boards of the Nigeria wrestling federation and now the Shooting federation.
Another participant, Edith Ahum, an active Handball player and now a Referee, also noted that the course covered general areas such as administration, logistics, and finance, providing the right exposure to take critical and strategic decisions.
I am happy to have been a part of such a rare course. And with the right calibre of women shortlisted for the experience
. It is wonderful to say the least,” noted Uche Tobex Tobechukwu, a popular female football Journalist.
”This has provided me another opportunity in pursuit of female excellence in sports administration.”
At the end of the course, an enthusiastic Engr Gumel personally presented certificates to all the female participants in the programme.
