By: Chinedum Ohanusi
The Association of Nigeria Women in Sports (NAWIS) gained further grounds as the umbrella body that champions the welfare and wellbeing of former and present sports women in the country, by officially inaugurating its Plateau State chapter.
The inauguration comes after 25 years of existence, and during the reign of Professor Mariam Adefunke Suleiman of the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, as national President.
The historic event of Friday March 21, 2025 was well attended by dignitaries from all the sports sectors of Plateau state, and was hosted by a sports guru, Professor E. A. Gunel who is the Plateau State Director of Sports and No. 1 member of NAMIS (the men’s support group of NAWIS).
In her speech the National President of NAWIS Prof. Suleiman who was full of joy to the additional chapter appreciate the founder of the association Professor Emeritus Florence Bola Adeyanju for everything she has done and still doing to see that NAWIS keep waxing stronger despite all odds.
“The Inauguration of Plateau chapter of NAWIS no doubt will showcase the strength of the association coverage all over Nigeria”, Professor Suleiman told reporters in Jos.
Meanwhile, the National PRO of NAWIS, Comrade Funke Kanjuni JP. has congratulated the Plateau State chapter of the association, ablely lead by its chairperson Aisha Phillip Hirse for attaining this milestone achievement.
The NAWIS spokesman also noted that the birth of the association on the Plateau, was just the beginning of the long journey to seeing that the place of women, and the girl child in sports in the state, is given all the attention it deserves.
Among the dignitaries that graced the historic event that took place at the auditorium of the Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Jos (Permanent Site), were the Plateau State Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Hon Ibrahim Musa Ashoms who also doubled as the representative of the Grand Patron of the new chapter, H.E. Barr. Helen Mutfwang, wife of the Governor.
Others were Professor S.B Kayit, Professor Mrs Elizabeth Haruna, and Barrister Olivia Dazyam, who Chaired the occasion at the Rwang Pam Township Stadium.
Aerobic exercises, demonstration Basketball and Volleyball matches watched by a large crowed, including NAWIS members from sister chapters of Kwara, Kogi, Kaduna, and the FCT Abuja, formed the other highlights.
