By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
University of Lagos (UNILAG) and Lagos State University (LASU) has start preparation to host continental universities sports in Nigeria.
UNILAG and LASU both located in Lagos State, Nigeria are set to co-host the 11th FASU Games which will feature team sports such as Basketball, Football, Volleyball, and Handball; as well as the following individual sports: Athletics, Badminton, Chess, Judo, Table Tennis, Tennis, Karate, Taekwondo and Swimming.
The 11th Federation of African University Sports (FASU) Games scheduled for September 20 and 29, 2024, authorities of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and Lagos State University (LASU) have officially merged their organizing committees towards successfully hosting the competition tagged Lagos 2024.
The merging of committees, a strategic move to leverage the strengths and resources of both institutions, was part of the lineup of activities at the Pre-FASU Games Seminar held on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at the Aderemi Makanjuola Lecture Theatre, LASU, Ojo.
Speaking at the Seminar, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG underscored the importance of sports as a major factor in social integration. She noted that the 11th FASU Games would provide a platform for young Africans to interact, build relationships, and forge connections across different cultures and communities, as well as promote social cohesion and integration.
Her words, “the continent of Africa has about 1.3 billion people, 70% of which are below the age of 30 years. These young people are the pride of Africa. Nigeria has about 159 million of that population, and the people who will be competing are within the range. So what we are doing is building a future of young people coming together, collaborating and excelling. The bridges that we will be building will take us far into the future. Where better to build the bridges than in Lagos State, the Centre of Excellence, and where better than UNILAG and LASU?”
Earlier in her welcome remarks, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, Vice-Chancellor of LASU expressed confidence in the ability of the members of the organising committees of the two institutions to jointly host a successful competition.
“I have no doubt that with the array and pedigree of individuals who have been appointed to serve on the various sub-committees of the Main Organizing Committees; we are in for nothing but success at the end of the competition.
As members of the organising committees, you have been entrusted with a significant responsibility to ensure the smooth and successful execution of this historic event.
”On her part, Dr. Peninnah Kabenge, Secretary-General of the Federation of African University Sports (FASU) opined that the inter-university sporting event would be a captivating experience for participating athletes, officials, and spectators, as well as raise the profile of UNILAG and LASU on the international stage.
According to her “I’m happy that Nigeria is opening its doors again to Africa as we celebrate 20 years since the Games were revived. It is no coincidence that the same country that hosted the Games in 2004 is again hosting us.”In his remarks, the arrowhead and President of the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA), Dr. Bawa Muhammad congratulated the host institutions, describing the Seminar as the official commencement of activities leading up to the 11th FASU Games which will feature a wide range of sporting and cultural events. He added that “With the support of both UNILAG and LASU, the upcoming games are expected to be a celebration of sportsmanship, friendship, and excellence.”
Delegates at the Pre-FASU Games Seminar had an opportunity to be treated to a wide array of insightful lectures delivered by renowned gurus drawn from several areas of expertise including former Secretary General of NUGA, Mr Bola Orodele; Professor Iyiola Oni of the Centre for Multi-Modal Transport Studies, University of Lagos, and Professor Clement Fasan, the Programme Director, International Olympic Committee Advanced Sports Management Course (ASMC) Nigeria.
For effective engagement, the Seminar later dissolved into different, appropriate sessions.
The All-Africa University Games is a regional multi-sport event organized by the Federation of Africa University Sports for university athletes. The games were first held in 1975 in Accra, Ghana.
Nigeria last hosted the Games in 2004 in Bauchi State.