"OrangeElmpics is an initiative using sports to advocate against GBV" - Aderonke Bello

 

In commemoration of the 2021 edition of 16 Days Activism against Gender Based Violence which ends today, FAME Foundation in conjunction with Youth and Sports Development Ministry organized ORANGElympics, a line-up of sporting activities that used sports as a tool to campaign against the menace of Gender Based Violence.

This event provided a platform for women to advocate against GBV and engage men in the fight against Gender-Based Violence.

 Men and women, boys and girls were educated on GBV, its adverse effects, and ways to end GBV in our society. Aside sporting activities, the event involves interactive sessions, social media conversations, school and community outreaches.

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness about the impact of violence, particularly on women and young girls. 

The campaign starts on November 25, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and concludes on December 10, Human Rights Day.

 This year’s theme emphasizes the end to end every form of Gender-Based Violence.

Speaking on this year’s theme, Honourable Minister for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, says, it is time  for everyone to rise up and ensure an end to GBV, “I am calling every Nigerian, both young and old to strive towards a gender based violence free society,  (GBV) is a global problem affecting millions of women and girls every year, it threatens lives, undermines families and communities, and impedes the progress of nations. 

Aderonke Ogunleye-Bello, the Executive Director of FAME Foundation, stated that the PLAY it DREAM it Initiative which is currently ongoing, is using sport as a tool to tackle gender issues such as child marriages and lack of education amongst others in the society and also to mentor Internally Displaced Girls.

“The fight against GBV cannot be won without the enlistment of men and boys as allies. ORANGElympics is an initiative using sports to advocate against GBV and also educate and involve both men and women, in the fight towards ending the global menace of GBV”,

“FAME Foundation condemns every form of gender-based violence and calls on both men and women, government, organizations, and CSOs to stand together as a united force and commit towards ending gender-based violence Now”

She also reiterated thar sports has helped actualize the 16 Days of Acitivism theme aimed at ending Gender Based Vioelnce in Sports and other aspects of life.

ORANGElympics  engaged top Nigerian Athletes like Jude Ighalo, Desire Oparanozie, Olumide Oyedeji and others in campaign against GBV which has tripled in number since Covid19 lockdown. 

Also, physical activities like advocacy campaigns to rural communities, schools enlightening people on the dangers of GBV and why it had to end now!

Opinion: Of Gernot Rohr’s Safety and NFF Shenanigan by Aderonke Ogunleye-Bello

Just before the Coach Scout - Gernot Rohr's exit from Nigerian Football....... 

The quote below was parts of a statement attributed to the NFF and circulated across social media some days ago. I am prompted to pen this opinion piece after waiting for the NFF for a rebuttal....it never came. 

“We told him that based on the conditions on ground, we can no longer guarantee his safety. We have given him a choice to take. Are you ready to work under such hostile environment or you want to walk away?” 

How unethical, a blatant dereliction of duty by the NFF. How unethical! ...a downright threat to human life....

Basically putting a gun to his head so to speak. Has Nigeria now gotten so bad that insecurity is what you should be using as factor to discuss a football contract? Subtle Threats? 

I am not a fan of Gernot Rohr, a stand that I have made known since his resumption, based on his poor records and dislike for home based footballers. 

In Nigeria, we have better indigenous coaches with better records and experiences. Rohr as we know is too inexperienced to coach the Super Eagles, he only got lucky, though he might have done well as coach for the Flying Eagles or Dream Team.

That said, how could the NFF say they cannot guarantee his safety? Such an unfair thoughts to process, or even say.

With this statement, they are exposing Rohr to imminent dangers. It means Rohr, 'you are on your own' whatever happens to you, deal with it!

While we impatiently await the sacking of Gernot Rohr as Super Eagles Coach, nothing must happen to Rohr. His absolute safety in Nigeria is NFF's responsibility and by all means necessary, they must ensure that he is safe while the contract lasts. No evil must befall Gernot Rohr. 

_As a matter of fact, if Rohr wants to play dirty, he could sue the NFF for that statement_

Is the atmosphere not hostile already? You guys are now throwing him to the lions, to be devoured? What if he was physically attacked by his perceived enemies or those that have been unhappy with his results as Super Eagles Coach, following your statements?

Whatever dealings you are having with the coach, he is representing our great Nation and, we must be honorable enough to ensure his safety. 

If the coach abides by the contract rules and he hasn't defaulted, the honorable thing to do is go back to the contract, pay him off, let him go, and not threaten him with insecurity. So insensitive! 

If you do not have money for now, both parties could sit at the table, make an offer, and negotiate. Hey Rohr, we only have 50% for now, we will pay at a later date. Very gentlemanly. 

This is the right time to employ someone you believe in. It is that straightforward, stop already with the play of insecurity cards. 

 

You cannot run away from your duties because there is a contract in place, Rohr has not breached it but Nigerians want him out! I want him out of the Super Eagles as well! 

I ask again, what is so special about Rohr, why does he seem so untouchable? If Rohr was an indigenous coach, would he have lasted this long? As we all know, he would have been disgraced and sacked long ago.

I will conclude by saying there is yet another crisis brewing and on the horizon for the NFF and if they want to make good plans ahead of the Nations/World Cup campaign, this is the time to fix it!!!

NFF, wake up!

_Aderonke Ogunleye-Bello is an award-winning Nigerian Journalist. Author. Gender Advocate and Sports Governance analyst. She writes from Abuja, Nigeria._

Aderonkeogunleye@gmail.com

Line Up Live Up: Award Winning Journalist Aderonke Bello selected for Sports-Based Life Skills Programme

The Federal Government of Nigeria has selected Award Winning Journalist, Sports for Development Enthusiast and Gender Advocate, Aderonke Ogunleye-Bello as Representative and member of the Federal Government Team on the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Line Up Live Up Programme (LULU).

LULU initiative is a sports-based life-skills training curriculum for youth aged 13-18. It strengthens the youth resilience to crime, violence and drug use by enhancing their personal and social skills and increasing their knowledge on the risk associated with these phenomena.

The Federal Government through office of the Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Special Investments is partnering with UNODC to work with states on curbing violence and substance abuse by developing life skills through sports. 

Target is out-of-school youthsand kids which is part of the At Risk Children–Programme(ARC-P) by the Federal Government of Nigeria, set to address the challenges being experienced by this category of Nigerian citizens. UNODC is partnering with FG to integrate its LULU Programme into ARC-P, usingSports as a tool to provide life skills and support for the Youth and Children.

Ogunleye-Bello, an Alumni of the US Department of State’s, Global Sports Mentoring Programme (GSMP), will join other federal team members to serve as coaches and monitor the LULUprogramme nationally, provide UNODC and ARC-P Federal Office with detailed reports on project implementation of activities, monitoring and evaluation.

More Gains for NPFL as La Liga Partnership Yields Early Fruit

The recently-signed partnership between the Nigerian Professional Football League and the Spanish La Liga is beginning to yield gains just a couple of months after both parties sealed the landmark deal in Abuja. 

NNL: Jatau Sorry for Kogi United Home Loss to Katsina United

A 40th minutes header from Usule Martins gave league leaders, Katsina United a shock win over Kogi United in the Week Six of Nigeria National League, NNL in Lokoja.

NWPL: Shola Pleased With Confluence Queens' Performance Despite Defeat To Rivers Angels

Confluence Queens Chief Coach Shola Adewuyi has expressed satisfaction over his girls' performance in their week 6 Nigeria Women Premier League, NWPL 0-2 defeat against Rivers Angels in Port-Harcourt.

Kano Pillars Beef up Squad with Olorunleke, Osanga, Henlong, 5 Others Signing

Kano Pillars FC have recruited eight new players during the Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL mid-season transfer exercise while declaring eight players surplus to requirement.

Can Nigeria Wrestlers Make Gold-Grabbing History in Rio 2016 Olympics?

By Dare Kuti

It is no longer news that the Nigeria wrestling federation team is the strongest in Africa and has led to it's dominance both in the continent.

It remains to be seen if they will take their continental conquering feat to the world level for the first time at this year's Olympics.

18TH NESTLE MILO BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP NATIONAL FINAL: LAGOS GIRLS/BAYELSA MEET, AS DELTA BOYS BATTLE FCT

The stage is set for the grand finale of the  of the 18th Nestle Milo Basketball championship holding at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Asaba Stadium, Delta State.

NWPL: Igbinovia, Five Others gets Player of the Month Award Nomination

Bayelsa Queens duo Osarenoma Igbinovia and Rofiat Sule lead the nominations for May's Nigeria Women Premier League Player of the Month
award as powered by Futbalgalore.com.

Gov Yahaya Bello Promises Total Support for Kogi United, Confluence Queens

... Announces Inter Local Government Championships

The Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello has again reiterated his administration's support and encouragement for the state owned clubs, Kogi United and Confluence Queens to further make the state proud in their engagements.

NWPL: Okon Not Under Pressure to Defend Title

While the 2015/2016 Nigeria Women Premier League has kick started with interesting results from the opening week, all eyes have been on how Rivers Angels will fight to defend the title they won last season.

Fed Cup: Resilient Rivers Angels Through to Next Round

An Amarachi Ojinma’s last gasp goal ensured six times Women’s Federation champions, Rivers Angels progressed into the round of 16 of this year’s Federation cup with a had fought 3-2 victory over 10 men FC Robo of Lagos.

18TH Nestle Milo Basketball Championship: Finalists Emerge at Equatorial Conference

Hard fighting St Augustine Seminary, Ezzanugbo, Ebonyi State had a bitter pill to swallow as they were narrowly defeated by Ritman College Ikot-Ikpene, Akwa Ibom State, at the ongoing Nestlé Milo Secondary School Basketball championship at indoor sport Hall of Nnamdi Azikwe stadium, Enugu.

Federation Cup Preview: Kogi United vs Ekiti United; Ishaya Jatau: Federation Cup, Shortcut to Continental

As clubs get set for the commencement of 2016 Federation Cup, Head Coach of Kogi United has disclosed that the oldest competition in the country is best shortest way to book a continental ticket.

NWPL: FC Robo, Delta Queens Share Spoils in Season Opener

A late comeback spared FC Robo Queens blushes as they denied Delta Queens an away win in the Nigeria Women Premier League opener after coming from 2-1 down to draw 2-2.

Coach Shola Sees Positives in Confluence Queens' Draw with Sunshine Queens

Head Coach of Confluence Queens, Shola Adewuyi has expressed satisfaction with his wards' performance in their 1-1 draw with Sunshine Queens in the match day one of the Nigeria Women Premier League.

66th FIFA Congress: Pinnick was Arrested by Mexican Police

*He never attended the FIFA Congress

*How he lied with his picture with Infantino

It is authoritative that Nigeria could not present any representation at the 66^th FIFA Congress in Mexico due to the lingering crisis in the massive west African nation’s football environment.

NWPL Match Preview: Sunshine, Confluence Queens Set Tone for Season Opener

With the 2015/16 Nigeria Women Premier League season set to kick-off this weekend across various centres in the country, Akure will be the place to be.

House of Reps Wade into NFF Leadership Tussle

THE House of Representatives on Tuesday, ordered its committee on sports to summon the Minister of Youths and Sports, Solomon Dalung and officials of the Nigerian Football Federation ,NFF, in a bid to amicably resolve the crisis rocking the apex football body in Nigeria.