Social services development firm, First Metro Infrastructure Limited (FMIL), has restated its commitment to empowering female athletes and supporting sporting activities involving women.
Speaking at the maiden Women Elite Sports Empowerment Initiative (WESIE) basketball finals held on December 1 and 2, FMIL’s Chief Executive Officer, Bola Adeyinka, said its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) centres around promotion of gender equality, inclusion and diversity.
He explained that WESIE was founded in 2012 by a British/Nigerian, Funke Adeniji, to celebrate and empower women athletes.
Adeyinka noted: “At First Metro Infrastructure Limited, we believe in the power of diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities. Our sponsorship of the WESIE Basketball Finals reflects our commitment to supporting initiatives that empower women and promote positive change in our society. We are thrilled to be part of this event and look forward to witnessing the incredible talents and achievements of these inspiring athletes.
“We recognise the importance of providing equal opportunities for women in sports and understand the transformative impact that sports can have on the lives of women.
By serving as grand sponsor of the WESIE Basketball Finals, FMIL aims to contribute to the advancement of women in sports and create a platform where they can showcase their skills, determination and sportsmanship.
“One of the remarkable achievements of this sponsorship is the opportunity to host the WESIE Basketball Finals in Lagos, Nigeria, for the first time.
FMIL’s generous support has not only elevated the stature of the event, but has also opened doors for aspiring female athletes in Lagos to participate and excel on a larger stage.”
Italy’s anti-doping tribunal wants four-year ban for Pogba Juventus midfielder, Paul Pogba, may face a four-year ban from football if Italy’s national anti-doping tribunal has its way.
Reports say that the Italians are seeking a four-year suspension for the Russia 2028 World Cup winner, Pogba, 30, who was provisionally suspended in September when he tested positive for testosterone. His B sample confirmed the presence of the substance a month later.
According to reports, the Turin public prosecutor has started a judicia investigation of the case, just as proceedings by the Italian sports justice system are underway.
An AFP report quotes a Juventus source as saying: “I can confirm that we received this morning this notification from the anti-doping agency with four years (suspension) requested.”
The AFP report says the 2018 World Cup winner’s sample was reportedly taken at his club’s opening match of the Serie A season, a win at Udinese on August 20, during which he was an unused substitute.
Under the World Anti-Doping Code, Pogba is liable to a four-year suspension, which could be halved if he proves that he was not at fault.
The ban could even be limited to a few months if the use of the substance took place “out of competition and is not related to his level of performance”.
Since the announcement of his positive test, Pogba has been unable to train with Juventus, the club to which he returned in July 2022 after six seasons with United.
Juve have also suspended payment of his estimated annual salary of 8 million euros (8.4 million dollars).
