Abuja: Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women in Sports (NAWIS) in Osun, Omobola Tijani, and Joy Ibekwe have emerged victorious to represent NAWIS on two national sports federation boards. According to News Agency of Nigeria, the election was conducted at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
Tijani defeated Udak Okoja by securing 29 votes against 11 to become the NAWIS representative on the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation board. Ibekwe won 26 votes against Chinedu Onikeku’s 13, emerging as the NAWIS representative on the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation board.
Tijani, who is also the Sports Director at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), expressed her plans to boost female weightlifting development nationwide. She highlighted the lack of mentorship as a major challenge, which limits both the mental and physical preparation of female weightlifters. Tijani emphasized her understanding of the struggles faced by athletes, given her experiences as an athlete, coach, and sports administrator, and her readiness to collaborate with the federation to promote weightlifting, particularly among girls.
Tijani underscored the importance of guiding athletes for life beyond competition, emphasizing that education and planning are key to their long-term success. She stressed the need for mentorship and support to help athletes reach their full potential during and after their careers.
Ibekwe, also a sports administrator, committed to working for greater inclusion and opportunities for girls in Nigerian sports. She emphasized the need to create an environment where female athletes can thrive and excel in their chosen disciplines, ensuring they have equal chances to grow and reach the peak of their sports careers.
The News Agency of Nigeria also reported that 29 candidates were elected unopposed to represent NAWIS across different sports federations nationwide. The elective congress for NAWIS representatives into various sports federations was held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium. NAWIS advocates for equal opportunities, improved facilities, and better recognition for female athletes, with a focus on identifying and nurturing female sports talents across various disciplines.
