President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Habu Ahmed Gumel, has reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to strengthening women’s participation in sports leadership and governance across the country.
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Gumel made this known while delivering his welcome address at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Solidarity/NOC Sports Administration Course for former female athletes and women serving on national sports federation boards. The programme was held at the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa secretariat in Abuja.
According to the NOC president, the initiative represents a strategic step toward equipping women with the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to excel in sports administration and decision-making roles.
“This course represents a significant step in our collective commitment to strengthening the role of women in sports leadership and governance in Nigeria,” Gumel said.
The training programme, supported by Olympic Solidarity and aligned with global standards set by the International Olympic Committee, is designed to provide structured education in key areas such as leadership, strategic planning, financial management, ethics, and organisational development.
Gumel noted that while former athletes and administrators bring valuable experience, there is a need for formal training to enhance efficiency and professionalism in sports governance.
“This course has been carefully designed to equip participants with essential tools and provide a solid foundation in modern sports administration,” he stated.
He added that beyond classroom learning, the programme also offers a platform for networking, mentorship, and collaboration, which are critical for strengthening women’s representation in decision-making roles within sports institutions.
The NOC president commended the facilitators and organisers for their dedication to delivering the programme, highlighting the involvement of experienced resource persons and IOC-certified course directors.
He also acknowledged the contributions of key officials, including Dr. (Mrs.) Esther Oluwatoyin Aluko, Mr. Nweri Emmanuel, and Project Officer Mrs. Deborah Ijeoma Chidobi, for ensuring the successful organisation of the course.
Reiterating the committee’s broader vision, Gumel emphasised that empowering women in governance positions would have a lasting impact on sports development in Nigeria.
“We firmly believe that empowering women in governance roles will strengthen our federations and positively impact future generations of athletes,” he said.
He urged participants to take full advantage of the programme by actively engaging, sharing experiences, and building professional networks that would enhance their contributions to the sector.
The Olympic Solidarity/NOC Sports Administration Course forms part of a global educational initiative aimed at promoting Olympic values while fostering inclusive leadership within sports organisations.
