…essence of the programme was to sensitize the UNILAG community on NUGA- Benjamin Olowojebutu
…Sporting activities encourages children to go to school, stay in school and contribute positively to the development of the University and nation at large- Ogunlewe
By Olayinka Abraham
As part of effort to sensitize the university community ahead of the 26th edition of the Nigerian Universities Games slated for March 16th-27th 2022,the University of Lagos,(UNILAG) Alumni association, Lagos branch under the leadership of Dr. Oluwatosin Olowojebutu has organised a daylong competition put in place to excite the minds of the university community and to usher them into the mood of NUGA games.
Speaking at the event held at the University of Lagos Staff School field, Chairman of the event and Special Guest of Honour, the Executive Chairman of Kosofe Local Government Area, Barr. Moyosore Ogunlewe noted that the Sporting activities encourages children to go to school, stay in school, feel the fresh air and be successful to contribute positively to the development of the University and the nation at large.
He added: Sports should be daily or weekly habit as life goes on for children, they should not be stuck in the classroom alone but also feel refreshed as they start the games”.
“Today, most kids are fond of videos and computer games to while away their free time which I have nothing against but they should try to balance between these activities which require them to have social interaction and also to flex their muscles”, said Ogunlewe.
Barr. Ogunlewe mentioned that human- computer interactions such as playing video games do have negative impact on the brain which helps to ignore responsibilities which has led to social isolation saying the Pre NUGA Super 4 organised by UNILAG Alumni is not only timely but also relevant.
The Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos,Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe who was represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Lucian Obinna Chukwu described this year’s edition of Pre-NUGA Super 4 as novel considering the plans already put in place and the conditions of the sporting facilities.
Chukwu who said there is no better time to hold the event than March while giving assurance that all facilities will be ready before the due date.
The VC assured that by the time NUGA Games will commence fully, everyone would be amazed with the work on-going and most especially, we are not just doing cosmetic touches but a total overhaul adding that most equipment’s for the games would be imported”, he added.
He commended the leadership of UNILAG Alumni Lagos branch led by Dr. Benjamin Olowojebutu for coming up with a unique idea to help in sensitizing the game ahead saying the University has received lot of support in which the Lagos State Government has also pledged its support not forgetting that the event is holding in Lagos metropolis where we have lots of facilities.
Dr. Benjamin Olowojebutu,UNILAG Alumni Chairman, Lagos State branch said the first event is the Pre-NUGA Super 4 Invitational Tournament and all effort is being made to ensure a successful competition that every Nigerian students will be proud of at the end of the games.
Olowojebutu explained that it is germane to engage the young pupils adding that when NUGA starts, everyone in the school would be affected, the staffs, students and lectures, as there would be lot of activities in the school while this serves as a sensitization to create awareness and attention.
The Chairman added that Pre-NUGA Super 4 is a football tournament for Primary school students which include participating schools such as University of Lagos Staff School,Akoka and its Idi-araba counterpart,Yaba College of Technology Staff School and FCE Technical Staff School, Akoka to win some medals like Gold, Silver and Bronze.
“This is to make it very participatory, fun and create a lot of media attention and also to show the world that UNILAG is holding the NUGA Games”, Olowojebutu explained.
He boasts that “as the University of Lagos is holding the NUGA for the 4th time, the NUGA Games’ event this year will be great, super and be a showpiece as it would the first ever NUGA to be held in a metropolitan University and City on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, who had been doing a great work in promoting the University as the University of first choice.