"Use These Games to Bond and Unite Africa" — LASU VC Urges Students as 11th FASU Games Kick Off in Lagos

The Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, has called on African university students and athletes participating in the 11th All Africa University Games (FASU) to use the event not only for competition but as a platform to forge friendships and drive Africa’s growth. She made this call during the grand opening ceremony held on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), with Senator John Enoh, Nigeria’s Minister of Sports representative, in attendance.

In her address, Professor Olatunji-Bello emphasized the significance of these games in promoting unity and diversity among African youths, irrespective of religion, tribe, or nationality. She encouraged athletes to give their best and embrace the spirit of sportsmanship, noting that winning is secondary to participation and camaraderie.

“This edition is historic because it celebrates African unity and diversity. You have trained hard, now is the time to display your skills and win medals, but also bond and make lifelong friendships,” she remarked.

She thanked Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the state government for their support and invited participants to explore the rich culture of Lagos, "the state of aquatic splendor."

UNILAG Vice Chancellor, Professor Folashade Ogunsola, echoed the sentiments, encouraging the athletes to use the games as a unifying force and to build enduring relationships that transcend the competition.

President of the Nigeria University Games (NUGA), Engr. Bawa Mohammed, urged participants to view sports not only as extracurricular activities but as a career path with the potential to shape their future as leaders in Africa. He declared that the games signify Africa’s future, emphasizing the importance of personal development through sports.

Speaking on behalf of Nigeria’s Minister of Sports, Ms. Ngan Mbora expressed excitement at the prospects of discovering new talents during the games, encouraging participants to give their all and enjoy their stay in Lagos.

The games were officially declared open by the President of the Federation of African University Sports (FASU), Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, who also serves as Egypt’s Minister of Sports. He expressed confidence that the games would be competitive yet fair, fostering collaboration among the athletes.

Following the opening remarks, the ceremony shifted to the symbolic oath-taking, led by LASU’s Director of Sports and Recreation, Dr. Segun Olawunmi, and UNILAG’s Chief Coach, Mrs. Funmi Otegbeye, representing the officials. Athletes from both host institutions also took the oath, pledging good conduct throughout the games.

The event featured vibrant cultural displays, fireworks, performances by local artists, a march-past by participating universities, and the lighting of the games torch.

With nearly 30 universities from across Africa in attendance, notable participants included Lagos State University (LASU), University of Lagos (UNILAG), Kenyatta University (Kenya), University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University, and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (Ghana), among others. Universities from Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Egypt, Mauritius, Angola, Guinea, Zambia, and Kenya also took part in the colorful parade.

This marks the second time Nigeria is hosting the FASU Games since 2004, with this year being historic as the first-ever co-hosting by two universities — UNILAG and LASU. The closing ceremony will be held on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at LASU’s Sports and Recreation Centre.

For more updates, visit https://www.lasu.edu.ng