Ogun NAWOJ Hails Flamingos, Applauds Tinubu, Olopade, First Lady for Supporting Women’s Sports
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Ogun State Chapter, has applauded the outstanding performance of Nigeria’s U-17 female National Football Team, the Flamingos, describing their achievement as a source of National pride and a strong demonstration of the potential of the Nigerian girl-child.
The Association also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Sports Commission (NSC), its Director-General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for their respective contributions and show of support towards sports development and the advancement of female athletes in the Country.
In a congratulatory statement jointly signed by its Chairperson, Comrade Morenikeji Sobaloju, and Secretary, Damilola Koleade, Ogun NAWOJ said the team’s performance reflected courage, discipline, resilience and determination, while reinforcing the capacity of Nigerian girls to excel on the international stage.
The Association noted that the Flamingos’ achievement went beyond football, describing it as an inspiring example of what young Nigerian women could accomplish when provided with the right opportunities, encouragement and institutional support.
According to the statement, the team’s success also highlights the importance of investing in female participation in sports as a means of promoting gender equality, building confidence, developing leadership abilities and empowering young girls to contribute meaningfully to National development.
Ogun NAWOJ particularly acknowledged the Federal Government under President Tinubu for its efforts towards repositioning the sports sector, noting that sustained commitment to talent discovery, sporting infrastructure and opportunities for international participation remained essential to National sporting advancement.
The Association also recognised the strategic contributions of the National Sports Commission to the country’s sports development agenda, commending its Director-General, Olopade, for his commitment to strengthening the sector, encouraging grassroots participation and creating opportunities for emerging sporting talents.
It further acknowledged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), its leadership, technical officials, coaches and other stakeholders for their contributions to the growth of football, particularly the development of female national teams.
The Association, however, urged government and relevant stakeholders to build on the Flamingos’ achievement by increasing investment in women’s football, improving sporting facilities, strengthening athletes’ welfare and ensuring that female football receives adequate institutional attention.
It also called for deliberate efforts to discover and nurture young talents in schools and communities, observing that many gifted girls across the country remain undiscovered because of inadequate facilities, limited funding and insufficient support.
Of particular interest to the association was the public expression of excitement by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, following the Flamingos’ victory.
Ogun NAWOJ described the video showing the First Lady celebrating the team’s achievement as a heartwarming demonstration of national pride and encouragement for young female athletes.
It said such gestures from national leaders could inspire millions of Nigerian girls, strengthen their confidence and reinforce the message that their dreams, sacrifices and accomplishments deserve recognition.
The Association consequently encouraged the First Lady and other influential stakeholders to sustain their advocacy for the education, protection and empowerment of the girl-child, particularly by supporting initiatives that expand opportunities for girls in sports.
Speaking further on the need for broader recognition of female sporting achievements, Ogun NAWOJ stressed the importance of stronger collaboration among government, the private sector, educational institutions, sports organisations and the media.
It particularly urged the media to give women’s sporting activities consistent coverage, rather than focusing attention on female athletes only when major victories are recorded.
The Association congratulated the Flamingos’ players, coaches, technical crew, management and other contributors, urging the team to remain focused and determined to attain greater heights in future competitions.
Reaffirming its commitment to promoting the rights, welfare and opportunities of women and girls, Ogun NAWOJ maintained that investing in the girl-child was essential to building a more inclusive and progressive society.
“When we invest in our girls, we invest in the future of our nation. When women and girls rise, Nigeria rises with them,” the association declared.
