By David Ngobua

The Association of Nigeria Women in Sports (NAWIS) has further strengthened its presence as the leading body advocating for the welfare of past and present female athletes in the country by officially inaugurating its Plateau State chapter.
This milestone, achieved 25 years after the association’s establishment, took place under the leadership of Professor Mariam Adefunke Suleiman of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, who currently serves as the National President.
The historic event, held on Friday, March 21, 2025, was attended by dignitaries from various sports sectors in Plateau State. It was hosted by Professor E. A. Gunel, the Plateau State Director of Sports and the No. 1 member of NAMIS, the men’s support group of NAWIS.
Expressing her excitement over the new chapter, Professor Suleiman praised Professor Emeritus Florence Bola Adeyanju, the founder of NAWIS, for her relentless efforts in ensuring the association’s continuous growth despite challenges.
“The inauguration of the Plateau chapter of NAWIS will further showcase the association’s strength and presence across Nigeria,” she told reporters in Jos.
The National PRO of NAWIS, Comrade Funke Kanjuni JP, congratulated the Plateau chapter, led by its Chairperson, Aisha Phillip Hirse, on this remarkable achievement. She emphasized that the association’s presence in Plateau State marks the beginning of a long-term effort to ensure that women and girls in sports receive the recognition and support they deserve.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the Faculty of Management Sciences Auditorium, University of Jos (Permanent Site), was graced by several high-profile guests featured aerobic exercises, exhibition basketball and volleyball matches, witnessed by a large crowd, including NAWIS members from sister chapters in Kwara, Kogi, Kaduna, and the FCT Abuja.