AFFAN Pledges Collaboration With National Sports Commission

By Lekan Sowande, Abuja.

108

The Association of Former Female Athletes of Nigeria (AFFAN), has pledged to collaborate with the National Sports Commission (NSC) to further advance female sports in Nigeria.

The Chairman of AFFAN, Dr. Toyin Aluko, made this commitment during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the NSC, Shehu Dikko, at his office on Thursday.

Dr. Aluko shared that the defunct Ministry of Sports Development had officially recognised AFFAN and approved the inclusion of its members on the boards of National Sports Federations, with the next election scheduled after the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The former athlete expressed the association’s goal of becoming more visible to inspire young girls and their parents, showing them that success in both sports and academics is attainable.

“I want to assure the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, that AFFAN is fully committed to the success of sports in Nigeria,” Dr. Aluko said. “The association is made up of retired female athletes who have brought glory to Nigeria during their active careers.”

“Thanks to our reputation, the defunct Ministry of Sports Development, led by Senator John Enoh, approved our inclusion in the boards of National Sports Federations in the upcoming elections.”

“We seek a platform from the National Sports Commission to increase our visibility in sports camps and competitions (both locally and internationally) to help protect female athletes and prevent any form of abuse.”

“AFFAN also appeals to the NSC to sponsor ageing or former elite female athletes from various sports federations to attend reputable coaching courses, both locally and internationally. This will empower them to train and certify female coaches and referees who excel in their profession.”

“There is a significant shortage of female coaches and referees in Nigeria. We urge the NSC to take a special interest in female coaches by supporting and facilitating the training of former female athletes,” she concluded.

In his response, NSC Chairman Dikko assured that AFFAN’s inclusion on the boards of National Sports Federations would be activated and revisited.

NSC Chairman, Shehu Dikko.

“It is encouraging to see competent retired female athletes come together to form AFFAN and give back to society. The Commission will collaborate with AFFAN, as these women have participated in the very sports we seek to develop,” Dikko said.

“I also encourage AFFAN to re-engage with us ahead of the National Sports Federations elections, as guidelines for the elections are currently being formulated by a section of the National Sports Commission.”

Dikko also acknowledged the consistent contribution of female athletes in securing Olympic medals for Nigeria and assured AFFAN of the Commission’s full support in its initiatives.

Comments are closed.