In a significant step towards the development and promotion of women’s football in Nigeria, the Edo State First Lady, Mrs Betsy Obaseki has inaugurated a nine-man board to oversee the organization of the biggest women’s pre-season tournament in Nigeria, the Betsy Obaseki Women’s Football Tournament.
The inauguration ceremony took place on Thursday afternoon at the Government House in Benin City, and it marked a significant milestone in the state’s commitment to supporting female football.
The First Lady, expressed her excitement at the event as she commended the committee for living up to the task in previous editions.
“I have good reason to appreciate you for your hard work and commitment even in the first outing that was highly commended by FIFA. As a result of that, I have decided that every year, we would look for you again as many of you are ready, willing and available to work with us in a bid to empower our girls not just in Edo State but across the country.” She said.
The nine-man board, comprising seasoned sports administrators and football enthusiasts with Yusuf Alli as the chairman, has the Permanent Secretary, Edo State Sports Commission, Mrs. Sabina Chikere as Secretary. The board will be responsible for overseeing the planning, organization, and smooth execution of the tournament. Other members of the committee include Hon. Maria Edekor Esq., Mr. Kingsley Ehigiamusor, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, Dr. Andrew Obi, Dr. Peter Okonofua, Dr. Kweku Tandoh and Emmanuel Igbinosa.
Their collective expertise and commitment to women’s football are expected to elevate the tournament’s standards and create a nurturing environment for talented female players to thrive.
Speaking on behalf of the committee, Dr. Tandoh expressed appreciation to the state government adding
“The last two years have been wonderful with His Excellency, the Deputy Governor and the team showing that women can make a way even in football. We want to assure you that this year, we will put in our best.
“We believe and hope that this year will not be an exception and by the grace of God and with the support that you always give to us, we would do a good job and make you proud.”
In addition to the competitive aspect, the tournament will also focus on promoting social inclusion, gender equality, and community engagement. Various initiatives and workshops will be organized throughout the tournament to raise awareness about the importance of women’s participation in sports and address relevant social issues.
The First Lady’s initiative has garnered widespread support from the sports community, with many renowned athletes, coaches, and sports enthusiasts applauding the efforts to promote women’s football. The tournament is expected to attract teams from across the state, providing a platform for talented players to showcase their skills and compete at a high level.