MD/CEO of Lotus Bank Highlights Strategies for Enhancing University Sports at FASU Conference
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Lotus Bank, Mrs. Kafilat Araoye, has outlined key strategies for enhancing university sports to foster unity, healthy competition, and global excellence.
UBA CHIDINMA 
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Lotus Bank, Mrs. Kafilat Araoye, has outlined key strategies for enhancing university sports to foster unity, healthy competition, and global excellence. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 11th Federation of Africa University Sports (FASU) 2024 Scientific Conference on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, held at the Aderemi Makanjuola Lecture Theatre, Lagos State University (LASU), Mrs. Araoye emphasized the importance of inclusive participation, promotion of sportsmanship, and leveraging technology in university sports.
Delivering the keynote address on the theme, "Fostering Unity, Healthy Competition and Global Excellence through University Sports," Mrs. Araoye highlighted the potential of university sports to propel African athletes onto the global stage. She encouraged African universities to emulate Ivy League institutions by championing both intellectual and physical development through sports.
"University sports are more than just a platform for competition; they are a vibrant field where unity, healthy competition, and global excellence come to life," she remarked, stressing the role of sports in shaping future leaders and fostering unity.
LASU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, the event's host, noted that the conference provides an important forum for discussing the role of university sports in Africa's development. She highlighted the transformative power of sports in replacing animosity with camaraderie and promoting cooperation across divides.
Co-host and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, echoed these sentiments, describing sports as a potent force for building bridges and fostering collaboration among African nations. She emphasized that the conference presents a unique opportunity to merge scholarly insights with athletic excellence.
Other speakers, including the FASU General Secretary, Dr. Peninah Aligawesa, and NUGA President, Dr. Mohammed Bawa, praised the collaborative efforts of LASU and UNILAG in hosting the event, calling for greater synergy to overcome challenges facing university sports in Africa.
The conference also featured goodwill messages from notable dignitaries, including Professor Moji Adeyeye, Director-General of NAFDAC, and Hon. Tolani Sule, Lagos State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, represented by Mrs. Oyedunni Adenuga and Mrs. Olubunmi Ibidapo-Obe, respectively.
The opening ceremony was highlighted by cultural performances and the presentation of plaques to honored guests. The three-day conference aims to explore innovative approaches to advancing university sports across the continent.
