By: Chinedum Ohanusi 

As the world celebrates women on March 8th, 2025; a day set aside by the United Nations (UN) as International Women's Day (IWD), the National Association for Women In Sports (NAWIS) has urged its members nationwide, to take active part in the programmes and activities, lined up to mark the day in Nigeria.

The President of Nigeria Women In Sports (NAWIS), Professor Mariam Suleiman made the call, in a statement issued by the umbrella body that caters for former and active sportswomen in the country, marking the auspicious day.

The theme of the 2025 IWD is “Accelerate Action Invest in Women”, and the NAWIS President said "it was chosen by the UN, apparently because of the conviction that women are a blessing to their homes, community, country, and the world at large".

While leaning on the superlative performances by female athletes of Team Nigeria, like reigning world record holder (hurdles) Tobi Amusan, Olympic, Commonwealth, and African greats - Ese Brume, Blessing Oborodudu et al, at major championships, especially in the last four years; Professor Suleiman also asserted that it is only fair women in Nigeria are well catered for in all facets of sports, by the nation's sporting authorities.

To commemorate IWD in Nigeria, the various Chapters of NAWIS have been told to hold rallies, seminars, and other enlightenment activities, to promote women's empowerment and inclusion, or outright equality in sports.

NAWIS members are also to attend the activities of the Women Commission of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), marking the Day in three cities - Owerri, Lagos, and Abuja on Saturday, March 8th.

The event in Abuja to graced by the Chairperson (NAWIS) FCT Chapter, Gloria Ekwempu among others, is a two-prong activity - a medical outreach and an all-gender novelty football match - starting from 8am, at the Old Parade Ground, Area 10, Garki, Abuja.