NFF, Ministry Launches Initiative to Reintegrate Girl-Child

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has introduced an initiative aimed at reforming, rehabilitating, and reintegrating young girls from correctional centres back into society. This initiative has been met with great enthusiasm by the Honourable Minister of Interior, Hon. (Dr) Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

During a presentation in Abuja on Tuesday, NFF Executive Committee Member and Chairperson of the Women’s Football Sub-Committee, Madam Aisha Falode, outlined the project to the Minister and Ministry management staff. The Minister praised the NFF for this noble concept and committed to ensuring the project’s objectives are met.

“I am deeply impressed by this presentation, which clearly shows the NFF’s awareness of its community responsibilities beyond preparing our national teams for matches and tournaments,” said Dr. Tunji-Ojo. “The rising number of individuals in correctional centres is often due to a lack of support and resources upon release. This project provides hope and means for these young girls to rebuild their lives.”

The Minister emphasized the difference between correctional centres and prisons, highlighting that the former should focus on correction, reformation, and rebirth. “The NFF has truly impressed me. Sport is not just for entertainment; it is a powerful tool to bridge gaps between the powerful and the vulnerable.”
NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau explained that the Federation is committed to serving the broader community beyond organizing football matches. He noted the increasing number of girls in correctional centres as a pressing issue that the NFF aims to address through this initiative.

“We are determined to use football to collaborate with relevant agencies and ministries to reform and rehabilitate these young ladies, helping them reintegrate into society and lead productive lives,” said Gusau. “The NFF is fully committed to this project, and we will work with various organizations to arrange vocational training for these girls.”

Falode’s presentation, titled “FootballGood-Naija; EmpowerHer,” highlighted the rising numbers of girls in correctional centres, including those awaiting trial and those convicted. The initiative aligns with the Confederation of African Football’s ‘Gender Empowerment’ program, previously piloted in Sierra Leone, Ghana, and Liberia.

The project aims to support better reintegration prospects post-release, improve physical and mental well-being, develop life skills and self-esteem, foster sportsmanship, discipline, and teamwork, identify potential referees and coaches, and use football as a tool for education, skill-building, and leadership development among young people.

Present at the meeting were the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Aishetu Ndayako; Director of Press, Ozoya Imohimi; Director of Joint Services Department, Atinuke Ajiboye; and Director of Legal Services, Omofese Era.

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.

What’s your impression about this story?