The wife of the Senate President, Mrs. Ekaete Unoma Godswill Akpabio has made a passionate call for the empowerment of the Nigerian girl child through sports, stressing that when girls are given equal opportunities, the entire nation benefits.
Delivering her keynote address at an event organized by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) marking the 60th celebration/diamond jubilee anniversary of the Association, Mrs. Akpabio who was represented by Mrs. Matina Ekong Sampson celebrated the remarkable achievements of Nigerian female athletes who have brought global recognition to the nation despite facing enormous challenges.
“Nigeria’s basketball team has risen above the odds to dominate the African Championship and earn global respect. Our track queens, from Chioma Ajunwa, who made history with Nigeria’s first Olympic gold in 1996, to Tobi Amusan, who stunned the world with her record-breaking performance, have proven that when Nigerian women rise, the world takes notice,” she said.
Mrs. Sampson, speaking with conviction, emphasized that behind every successful woman athlete is a girl who dared to dream, often in the face of discouragement and limited opportunities.
She lamented that too many Nigerian girls are still denied access to sports facilities, discouraged by societal norms that view sports as male-dominated, and burdened by cultural expectations that restrict their growth.
“We lose potential every time a young girl is told to sit on the sideline while others play,” she warned. “Empowering the girl child through sport means changing mindsets — in families, schools, and communities.”
Mrs. Sampson underscored that sports are not merely about competition but also a tool for personal development, discipline, and confidence. She urged parents to recognize the transformative power of sports and support their daughters in pursuing it.
Sharing an inspiring story, she recounted the journey of Talia Lorepo, a Kenyan girl who defied social and economic odds to become the first African woman to win the New York City Marathon. Lorepo’s success, Mrs. Ekong noted, went beyond medals — she became a beacon of hope and a unifier through her foundation.
“That is the power of sports empowerment,” she explained. “It’s not just about medals; it’s about transformation — creating ripples of possibility that spread across families, communities, and generations.”
She also challenged sports journalists to use their platforms to highlight the achievements of female athletes and inspire future generations.
“The stories you tell can inspire millions,” she said. “When you highlight the struggles and victories of our women athletes, you make it possible for another little girl to dream.”
Mrs. Sampson further called on corporate Nigeria — banks, telecoms, oil and gas, and manufacturing companies — to partner with government and civil society in investing in sports development, particularly for young girls.
“When you invest in girls’ sports, you are not just funding play; you are fueling progress,” she asserted. “You are creating confident young women who will become innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders.”
As she rounded off her address, Mrs. Sampson urged Nigerians to build a society where girls have equal access to opportunities, are celebrated for their talents, and are empowered to lead.
“Engaging the girl child through sports is not just a goal; it is a duty. If we give our girls the same chance we give our boys, we are not just raising athletes — we are raising leaders, teachers, journalists, and citizens who will move this nation forward,” she declared.
