Nana, wife of Vice President Kashim Shettima, has charged the management of FAME Foundation to continue with its laudable efforts in empowering women and the girl child.
Mrs Shettima gave the charge Friday in Abuja at the 2024 International Women’s Football Tournament organized by FAME Foundation.
The event was held in commemoration of the International Women’s Day with the theme: ‘Count HER In: Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’ .
Represented by Bilikisu Abubakar Kyari, Wife of the Minister of Agriculture, , Shettima applauded the FAME Foundation, which said said has been at the fore-front of promoting the social, emotional and economic well-being of women and girls, without bias, all over the country.
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“Your organisation, The Fame Foundation, has been at the fore-front 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.
“You have built great networks between different women organisations, market women, NGOs, women in grassroot 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, when women empowerment, and the development of the girl-child is being pursued.
“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.
“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” she said.
Earlier, the Executive Director of FAME Foundation, Ms. Aderonke Ogunleye, while fielding questions from journalists at the event, announced that 10 girls from low and middle income families will given scholarships to further their education.
She said that the tournament, which is in its 5th edition aligns with the global celebration of International Women’s Day, which is dedicated to celebrating women’s achievements, promoting gender equality, and empowering women around the world.
According to her, 10 teams were featured in this year’s tourney, including Team United States of America (USA) team British High Commission (BHC) team Canada, Team International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), team East Africa Communities (EAC), team FAME, team AWITA, Association of Women in Trade and Agriculture, team ANFS, Association of Female Students, team ASHWAN, Association of Women Living with HIV/IADS in Nigeria, and team Bet9JA.
“This is the fifth edition of the match and I can say it’s one of our biggest events of the year as it brings together different women from the highest sector of the society to the lowest. Women from diplomatic Communities down to the market women” he said.
There were notable side attractions during the football match among which are free screenings for cervical cancer, pap smear tests, hepatitis screening, breast examinations, HIV tests, counseling, and eye tests, by the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN).
Also, EVA Nigeria will distribute free male and female condoms to prevent STis and promote family planning.
“Alongside, there are cheerleaders, mascots, and other attractions. We are also hosting educational sessions which focus on accelerating progress for women in line with the SDGs’ Vision 2030” she added.
