The wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, emphasised the importance of prioritizing women’s empowerment and the education of the girl-child, calling upon the government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), individuals, and groups to make it a priority.
She expressed the government’s readiness to collaborate with entities engaged in promoting the welfare of women and securing a brighter future for the girl-child.
Her remarks came during a football tournament organized by FAME Foundation to commemorate this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration, held at the Area 3 Football Pitch in Abuja last Friday.
The tournament, now in its fifth year, featured 10 teams competing for recognition and attracted dignitaries from embassies, ministries, and diverse backgrounds.
Represented by Hajia Bilki Abubakar Kyari, Hajia Shettima commended FAME Foundation for creating a platform that enables women and girls to thrive, fostering their active participation in the growth and development of their communities.
“We must put our heads together, both the public and private sectors, in empowering women, and developing programmes that help build the girl-child as she steps into the very competitive world where men have been dominating from time immemorial. Their educational capacities must be work upon, and skill acquisition programmes must be worked upon even more.
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“You have built great networks between different women organisations, market women, NGOs, women in grassroots B communities, as well as partnerships with the British High Commission, US Embassy in Nigeria, The Nigerian Army and so on to mention a few. You no doubt have built the most robust platform that can serve as the go-to point, where women empowerment and the development of the girl-child is being pursued.
“Your organisation, the FAME Foundation, has been at the forefront of promoting the social, emotional and economic well-being of women and girls, without bias, all over the country. You have over the years formulated programmes that have encouraged the participation of women in the growth and development of our society in order to close the gender gap.
“Today’s Generation Equality International Football Tournament 2024 is a testament to your numerous activities that promote the advancement of women and girls in our society. I congratulate you and I urge you to please continue with your very laudable efforts. Our doors are open for improved partnerships and collaborations, as we pursue the same aims and objectives, as far as women in Nigeria are concerned,” the wife of the wife president said.
The British Deputy High Commissioner, Mrs Gill Lever, in her remarks, commended FAME Foundation for bridging the gap between the high and the low and using sports as a platform to bring them together.
Meanwhile, Team EAC East Africa (Communities) emerged as champions after edging out Team FIDA (International Federation of Women Lawyers) through penalty shoot-outs which ended 4-2.
Sporting Tribune reports that 10 teams, all female participated in the football competition.
TheWitness
