NOC Drives Female Leadership Push With Landmark Governance Course In Abuja

The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), in partnership with Olympic Solidarity, has concluded a three-day advanced gender-inclusive governance course in Abuja, aimed at strengthening women’s capacity for leadership roles in sports administration.

The programme, held from March 24 to 26, 2026, at the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa secretariat, brought together more than 52 women drawn from across the country’s sporting landscape, including former elite athletes and serving board members of various national federations. While 47 participants attended in person, five joined virtually.

Designed to break longstanding barriers to female leadership, the initiative provided participants with an internationally recognised framework aligned with the standards of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), focusing on governance, accountability and institutional excellence.

NOC President, Habu Ahmed Gumel, underscored the importance of inclusive and competent leadership in driving the future of Nigerian sport. He stressed that the objective extends beyond increasing female representation to equipping women with the expertise and confidence required for high-level decision-making.

“Our aim is not just to have more women in boardrooms, but to ensure they are fully prepared with the strategic tools and knowledge to lead effectively,” Gumel said. “Formal training in modern sports administration is essential to meet international standards and sustain long-term growth.”

The course curriculum, delivered by experienced facilitators, covered key areas such as governance reform, financial oversight, ethical leadership and organisational accountability. Sessions were led by IOC-certified course director Esther Oluwatoyin Aluko, alongside NOC administrative secretary Nweri Emmanuel and project officer Deborah Ijeoma Chidobi.

Participants were also encouraged to embrace mentorship roles and extend the knowledge gained to grassroots levels, creating a sustainable pipeline for future female sports administrators.

Beyond technical training, the programme served as a platform for networking and collaboration, fostering a collective commitment among women leaders to influence reforms within Nigeria’s sports system.

Retired Air Commodore Rahonatu Garba described the initiative as enlightening, noting that it deepened her understanding of governance structures in sport. Handball referee Edith Ahum highlighted the broad scope of the training, particularly in administration, logistics and finance, while sports journalist Uche Tobechukwu praised the course as a rare opportunity to advance female excellence in sports leadership.

The programme concluded with the presentation of certificates to participants by Gumel, marking what organisers described as a significant step towards repositioning Nigeria’s sports administration through inclusivity, professionalism and transparency.