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Tag: FAME Foundation

  • FAME Foundation ends exciting tourney for PwDs in Lagos

    FAME Foundation ends exciting tourney for PwDs in Lagos

    By Olalekan Israel

    The FAME Foundation has marked this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities(PwDs) by hosting the Inclusion Games at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

    ‎‎The tournament, which is part of activities marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, commemorated annually on December 3, featured 26 participants competing in six events including 100m final (visual impaired), 100m final (cerebral palsy), 100m final ( deaf), discuss throw (amputee/polio), shot put (amputee/lexul upper) and long jump (amputee/ lexul). ‎

    ‎The Executive Director, FAME Foundation, Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi,  expressed her joy for organising the event ,affirming the foundation’s commitment to promoting inclusion and celebrating diverse abilities. ‎

    ‎“I am happy with today’s event. The Inclusion Games allowed us to celebrate different abilities through activities such as the 100m finals for visually impaired athletes, athletes with cerebral palsy, and the Deaf, as well as the Discus Throw for amputees and polio survivors, and the Shot Put for amputee and Lexul athletes. This is what inclusion should look like in our society.”‎

    ‎She added: “This is the same principle that drives our HerSTEM Initiative. Through activities like the ongoing HerSTEM 2025 cohort, which provides digital literacy and basic computer skills training for women and girls with disabilities, and the HerSTEM Inclusive Tournament, we are creating spaces where they can learn, compete, and showcase their abilities. We are breaking stereotypes and showing that with the right opportunities, people with disabilities are not just included, they are leaders and contributors to social progress.”‎

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    ‎Aderonke also emphasised the need for collaboration and systemic change.

    ‎‎She said: “Building a truly inclusive society requires all of us working together. We call on the government to fully implement and enforce the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018. We also urge the private sector, civil society, and media to invest in accessibility, champion inclusive policies, and amplify the voices and achievements of persons with disabilities.

    ‎‎“Our collective progress depends on our commitment to inclusion. Let us work together to build a Nigeria where every individual, regardless of ability, can contribute their talents and succeed. Disability is not a limitation but one aspect of our diverse human experience.”‎

    ‎Folashade Oluwafemiayo, the World Record holder in the women’s para-powerlifting and ambassador of the FAME Foundation believes the tournament will be an eye-opener for other stakeholders to establish more initiatives for people living with disabilities.‎

    ‎“I was sitting right there looking at the athletes doing their thing. We have new up-and-coming talents who will make this nation proud in the future,” she said.

  • Foundation reaffirms commitment to combating gender-based violence in Nigeria 

    Foundation reaffirms commitment to combating gender-based violence in Nigeria 

    • …urges men to stand against GBV

    In a compelling call to action, the FAME Foundation used its press conference during the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence to reaffirm its unwavering commitment to supporting survivors and tackling gender-based violence (GBV) across Nigeria.

    The foundation’s executive leadership highlighted new initiatives and issued an urgent appeal for increased male participation in the fight against GBV.

    Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, Executive Director of FAME Foundation, emphasised that the 16-day campaign is part of a continuous, year-round effort to provide assistance and justice to survivors.

    “It’s not just about the 16 days; this is our daily work,” Atoyebi said.

    She highlighted the foundation’s partnership with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), noting that joint efforts have led to the arrest of men involved in GBV, with the foundation’s legal team actively pursuing cases in court.

    Aderonke also stressed the importance of addressing digital violence, in line with the UN’s global theme for this year’s activism.

    “We need to fight digital and cyberstalking,” she urged.

    Kemisola Ibitoye, Director of Programs, unveiled the foundation’s findings on the underlying causes of gender-based violence. 

    According to Ibitoye, many instances of GBV stem from those closest to the victims, including partners and family members. 

    The foundation’s Femicide Tracker, launched last year, tracks and reports such cases to ensure they are addressed. 

    Ibitoye appealed for men to speak up, urging them to become allies in the battle against GBV. 

    “We need more men to speak out. It’s not enough for women to speak out; we need men as partners in this fight,” Ibitoye said.

    When asked about the root causes of GBV, Aderonke responded candidly, stating, “It’s unfair to ask why. We are dealing with mentalities shaped by society and upbringing.”

    She stressed the importance of educating men and boys about respect for women and combating harmful behaviors at an early age. 

    “Men need to step up and be allies, not just silent bystanders,” Aderonke concluded, reinforcing the need for a societal shift in how both men and women address and prevent gender-based violence.

    As the campaign unfolds, FAME Foundation continues to advocate for justice, healing, and societal change, fostering a critical dialogue around the role of men and the need for collective action to end gender-based violence.

  • Foundation launches tracker to document femicide incidents

    Foundation launches tracker to document femicide incidents

    FAME Foundation, a gender-focused non-governmental organisation (NGO), has launched a tracker to report and document femicide cases in Nigeria.

    Speaking at a press conference on Monday to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Arabinrin Aderonke, founder of the foundation, called for collective action to end femicide.

    She said the tracker will provide reliable data on cases of femicide in Nigeria.

    “Today, I am proud to announce the launch of our Femicide Tracker, an important tool that allows for the reporting and documentation of femicide cases,” she said.

    “This tool will help ensure that no case goes unnoticed, no story is silenced, and that we, as a society, can work toward justice and accountability for victims and their families.

    “By utilizing this tool, we aim to spotlight this pressing issue and mobilize action against the rising trend of femicide.”

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    She said the foundation’s activities for this year’s campaign will focus on amplifying awareness, empowering people, and engaging communities.

    As a call to action for collective efforts against gender-based violence, Bello announced the launch of a social media campaign, #HereForHer.

    “This campaign serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility we share to protect and empower women and girls,” she said.

    “Let us remember, awareness is just the starting point. True change requires sustained and united efforts.

    “It demands a commitment from governments to enforce laws that protect women, from civil society to create a supportive environment, and from people to challenge harmful behaviours and attitudes.”