By Grace Ekujumi, Lagos
…Sports Minister Assures of Government Commitment to Varsity Games
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe and some members of the Organizing Committee of the Unilag 2022 NUGA games have presented the event’s Torch of Unity to the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo.
At an elaborate ceremony held at the Vice President’s Conference Room at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Thursday, Professor Osinbajo and the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare commended the University of Lagos for reviving the games and creating some excitement around it.
The Vice President, an alumnus and former lecturer at the University, expressed his delight at the preparations made for the NUGA games, hoping that it surpasses the organization put in place when it last hosted in 1998.
“I am delighted to be receiving this Torch of Unity. I thank the hardworking Vice-Chancellor of Unilag, Professor Ogundipe.
“I remember the last time Unilag hosted the games, that was 24 years ago, in 1998. It was very colourful and very well organised. I believe a top quality games will be delivered yet again.”
Reeling out names of notable student athletes like Olusoji Fasuba, Bisi Afolabi, Vincent Enyeama, Chika Chukwumerije, Precious Dede, Nkiru Okosieme, Adeolu Adekola, Mutiu Adepoju, Seyi Olofinjana, Edema Fuludu, Edith Agoye and Olumide Oyedeji discovered during the NUGA Games, who later become world class sports men and women, the Vice President described NUGA as an important platform for talent discovery.
He also urged the athletes to exhibit the spirit of true sportmanship.
In his own remarks, the Sports Minister Sunday Dare charged the Organizing Committee to put together a competition that every stakeholder would be proud of.
Dare also pledged the Federal Government’s commitment to grassroots sports development, believing that young talents would be unearthed at the competition.
The Vice-Chancellor Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe promised that the Unilag 2022 NUGA games will be used to project the culture of excellence and hospitality of Lagos State and Nigeria.
The games are scheduled to hold between March 16-26, 2022.
