Gumel calls on media to highlight women in sports

The President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Habu Gumel, has asked sports journalists to pay more attention to female athletes, coaches, and administrators. He believes this will help promote gender equality in Nigerian sports.

Gumel made this request at the NOC Women’s Commission seminar for sports journalists in Abuja on Monday. He pointed out how the media can shape public views and encourage more women to get involved in sports.

“The media shapes narratives. What you write, what you say, what you show, determines how the world perceives women in sport,” he said.

Gumel emphasized that if we want more girls to play sports, more women to coach, and more women to take on leadership roles, then the media must tell those stories.

He noted that balanced and inclusive reporting can inspire more girls to join sports and encourage women to seek leadership positions in the field. He saw the seminar as a chance to change how sports are covered, by celebrating female athletes and leaders.

“This seminar is therefore not just about reporting sports. It is about changing the lens. It is about giving visibility to our female athletes, celebrating our female leaders, and encouraging a more balanced and inclusive coverage of sports in Nigeria,” Gumel added.

He also praised the Women’s Commission for its efforts in promoting women’s development within the Olympic Movement. This has been particularly through leadership programs that started in 2023.

According to him, these programs have supported female coaches, administrators, managers, and technical officials across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones through training and mentorship.

Gumel said the seminar marked the last program of the current commission’s tenure. He expressed happiness that it focused on the media’s role in increasing women’s participation in sports.

He commended the commission’s chairperson and members for their dedication to promoting women’s interests. He encouraged participants to engage actively, ask questions, and learn what they need to support women’s representation in sports journalism.