NOC trains 52 women to  break barriers in sports administration

The initiative was designed to dismantle historical barriers to female leadership by providing participants with an internationally recognised framework for excellence, grounded in the International Olympic Committee's global educational standards.

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.

Read Also: Nathaniel Idowu-Ajegunle U14 League heats up for Week 9

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 Esther Oluwatoyin Aluko and NOC Administrative Secretary Mr Nweri Emmanuel, alongside Project Officer Mrs Deborah Ijeoma Chidobi — guided the sessions with a focus on practical application.

Dr Aluko challenged participants to embrace their status as role models, stressing that their responsibility extends beyond boardroom participation to active mentorship and advocacy. She urged attendees to replicate lessons learned within their respective states and federations, fostering a grassroots-to-elite pipeline for future female administrators.

Throughout the three days, 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 platform, 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 said she now grasped the essence of the project. "I am happy I made it to the programme," said the former multi-sport athlete who played basketball, handball, and badminton during her time as an Air Force officer before serving on the boards of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation and the Shooting Federation.

Another participant, Edith Ahum — an active handball player and referee — 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," said Uche Tobex Tobechukwu, a female football journalist. "This has provided me another opportunity in pursuit of female excellence in sports administration."

At the close of the course, Engr. Gumel personally presented certificates to all female participants.