Abuja – March 3, 2026: The Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC) will host an advanced gender-inclusive governance course in Abuja, supported by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), as part of efforts to strengthen leadership and governance standards in Nigerian sports.
According to a statement issued by the NOC Public Relations Officer, Tony Nezianya, the three-day programme will hold from March 23 to March 25, 2026, at the Media Centre, Package B, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
Backed by Olympic Solidarity, the initiative is designed for former female athletes and women currently serving on the boards of National Sports Federations. It aims to deepen governance capacity, promote inclusive leadership, and enhance institutional effectiveness across Nigeria’s sports ecosystem.
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The course will be declared open by the President of the NOC, Habu Ahmed Gumel, who emphasised the importance of transparent, accountable, and inclusive leadership in driving sustainable sports development.
He noted that meaningful institutional reform depends on competent leadership structures that reflect diversity and inclusion.
“By investing in the capacity of women leaders, we are strengthening governance, improving compliance with international standards, and reinforcing the foundation for sustainable sports development in Nigeria,” Gumel said.
Delivered under the IOC’s global educational framework, the curriculum will be based on the IOC Sports Administration Course manual and will provide participants with internationally recognised training in governance reform, strategic planning, financial oversight, organisational accountability, ethical leadership, safeguarding principles, and policy implementation.
Gumel added that beyond technical instruction, the programme will also serve as a platform for mentorship and collaboration among participants. The initiative is expected to help build a strong network of women leaders capable of influencing institutional reforms and advancing long-term development within their respective federations.
The NOC reaffirmed its commitment to aligning Nigeria’s sports governance structures with evolving international benchmarks. Through collaboration with government agencies and key stakeholders, the committee aims to improve board diversity and strengthen leadership effectiveness across the country’s sports federations.
Officials say the initiative is expected to enhance institutional oversight and increase women’s participation in high-level decision-making roles within Nigerian sports.
