NFF’s #EmpowerHer Initiative Gains Ministerial Backing.
‘EmpowerHer’ an initiative by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) aimed at promoting the wellbeing, welfare, reformation, rehabilitation, and integration of female inmates through football, has received strong support from the Minister of Interior, Hon (Dr) Olubunmi Ojo (As earlier reported by Sportgister)
In a compelling presentation, Aisha Falode, NFF Executive Committee Member and Chairman of the Women’s Football Sub-Committee, emphasised the transformative power of football. She highlighted its potential as a landmark tool for gender empowerment and rehabilitation within Nigeria’s correctional facilities.
The Minister praised the NFF for this innovative concept and committed to mobilising resources to ensure the initiative’s success. “I am deeply impressed by this presentation, which clearly demonstrates the NFF’s community responsibility beyond preparing our national teams for matches and tournaments,” stated Dr Ojo. He further elaborated on the importance of providing released inmates with opportunities to prevent recidivism, viewing the project as a vital means to offer hope and pathways to reintegration.
“A correctional centre should be a place of correction, reformation, and rebirth,” Dr Ojo continued. “Sport is not just entertainment; it is a powerful tool that can bridge the gap between the powerful and the vulnerable.”
NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau addressed the Minister, explaining that the Federation sees itself as having a broader societal role beyond organising football matches. Tackling the increasing number of young women in correctional centres has been identified as a critical first step.
“We aim to use football as a collaborative tool with relevant agencies and ministries to initiate processes for the reform and rehabilitation of these young women, enabling their reintegration into society,” Gusau stated. “The NFF is committed to this project and will work with various stakeholders to provide vocational training, ensuring these girls have a future.”
Falode’s presentation, titled **FootballGood-Naija; EmpowerHer**, highlighted the rising number of women in correctional centres, those awaiting trial, and those already convicted. The initiative aligns with the Confederation of African Football’s ‘Gender Empowerment’ program, which has been piloted in Sierra Leone, Ghana, and Liberia.
The initiative aims to support better reintegration prospects post-release, improve physical and mental wellbeing, enhance life skills and self-esteem, foster sportsmanship, discipline, and teamwork, identify and develop football refereeing and coaching potentials, and use football as a tool for education, skill-building, and leadership development among young people.
The NFF delegation included Deputy General Secretary Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme; Director of Communications Ademola Olajire; Director of Legal Services Okey Obi; Director of Technical Augustine Eguavoen; Director of Competitions Ruth David; and Chief Protocol Officer Emmanuel Ayanbunmi.
Accompanying the Minister were key officials, including the Controller-General of Nigerian Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Dr Aishetu Ndayako; Director of Press, Ozoya Imohimi; Director Joint Services Department, Atinuke Ajiboye; and Director of Legal Services, Omofese Era.
