The Area 3 Mini Pitch in Abuja buzzed with excitement on Friday as Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, the Minister for Women Affairs, officially kicked off the Fame Foundation Women’s Day Football Tournament 2026.
The ninth edition of the annual event features 13 women’s football teams, including a team comprised of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) women, highlighting a commitment to inclusivity and empowerment through sports.
In her address, Minister Suleiman-Ibrahim lauded the Fame Foundation for their consistent efforts and commended the participating teams. “I commend them, applaud them. I congratulate Fame Foundation on this ninth edition of the International Women’s Day football tournament,” she stated. “As we are aware, Nigerian women are phenomenal. They are energetic, they are smart. We have to engage them from every angle.”
The Minister emphasized the current administration’s unprecedented focus on women’s issues. “Mr. President has made issues surrounding women central, not an afterthought. This is unprecedented. We must thank Mr. President, we must applaud him,” she said, assuring continued support for the Fame Foundation to explore and support women’s innovation and creativity.
She highlighted the significant domestic investments and prioritization of the women’s agenda under the current leadership, noting, “Nigerian women are happy.”
The Minister also linked the tournament to the President’s declaration of 2026 as the “Year of the Family and Social Development,” explaining that strengthening homes leads to stronger and more secure communities.
Suleiman-Ibrahim celebrated Nigeria’s sporting achievements, particularly in women’s football and basketball, citing the Falcons and Tigress’s consecutive victories in the Women’s African Cup of Nations and Women’s Afrobasket. She affirmed the government’s commitment to engaging women in various sports and digital sectors to pave the way for leadership.
Concluding her remarks, the Minister shared an encouraging message for all women and girl children: “We’re going to reach out to them and they also reach out to us, we’re going to get it right.” She hinted at numerous upcoming programs for women in both grassroots and urban areas, promising “something for everyone.” The Minister concluded by declaring, “It’s truly the women’s o’clock.”
