By Dorcas Jonah
Abuja – Florence Adeyanju, the Founder of the Nigeria Association of Women in Sports (NAWIS), has called for the involvement of more women in sports, to increase Nigeria’s performance at the international level.
Adeyanju made the call at the inauguration of the Abuja chapter of NAWIS on Friday in Abuja.
She said there must be a change of attitude by the public on the way women in sports were being perceived in negative light.
According to him, If Nigeria wants enhanced achievement in sports; there is need for increased involvement of women.
“If Nigeria aspires to attain greatest heights in international competitions, there must be a change of attitude regarding the treatment and stigma attached to women in sports.
“There can be no sports development in this country without women,’’ she said.
Adeyanju said that the association was born out of the desire to correct the perception given to women in sports.
The founder also said that sports should be viewed in relation to self actualisation, self esteem, confidence, health and human rights, regardless of gender.
According to the founder, NAWIS clamours for a culture where girls and women, who have been deprived of participation in sports are given the chance to do so.
“This is the desire of the group, to see that women have equal access and support in sports at all levels and in all capacities.
“To achieve these goals, NAWIS has embarked on enlightenment programmes to raise the society’s awareness on the many benefits of women participating in sports
“To dispel myths and taboos that plague women participation in sports for so long,’’ she said.
Adeyenju noted that it was on record that achievements of women in sports at international competitions have surpassed that of the men.
She said that NAWIS Abuja chapter could achieve these goals of the association through the devotion and dedication of all members.
Earlier, Odunola Bello, the Abuja Coordinator of NAWIS, called on the Federal Government to look into the negative way women in sports were being treated by some members of the public.
She said that the association would stop at nothing to ensure that women get their due in sports at all levels. (NAN)
