A former Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Professor Sabit Ariyo Olagoke, has called for the institutionalisation of sports as a strategic tool for youth development, national unity, and economic revitalisation in Nigeria.
The Founder and Spiritual Head of Shafaudeen in Islam Worldwide, Wakajaye, Ibadan, made this known during the final of the 21st edition of the Rasool Cup U-18 Football Competition, held on Sunday at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan.
Delivering an address titled, “Sports Resource and the Cause of the Youth”, Professor Olagoke who is the sponsor of the annual football competition, emphasised that for Nigeria to regain its past glory marked by discipline, security, low poverty levels, and strong purchasing power of the naira, deliberate attention must be given to youth development through meaningful engagement in socio-economic activities.
According to him: “For the Country Nigeria to regain its old self of Discipline, Security and very low Poverty level with high Purchasing Power of the Naira, there is a need to pay particular attention to the cause of the Youths, most especially by meaningfully engaging them in all Socio-Economic pursuit of human endeavours.”
Speaking on the significance of the Rasool Cup final, he noted that the competition serves as a unifying platform for young people irrespective of tribal and religious differences.
He, therefore, advocated the institutionalisation of sports through structured policies, including: Reviewing curricula in secondary and tertiary institutions to include sports as a core academic subject.
The spiritual leader further explained that such systems are common in developed countries, where sports industries provide employment, enhance wellness, and create opportunities for youths to showcase their talents while earning a livelihood.
“Children, the Youths and the elderly ones enjoy the show, paying entry fees with enthusiasm and finally getting stress relieved, most especially after the day’s/week’s work fatigue.”
Citing examples such as the United States, China, Japan, and the United Kingdom, he highlighted their global prominence in sporting excellence, particularly in boxing, wrestling, and athletics.
Olagoke lamented the decline of Nigeria’s once-thriving sports culture in the 1960s and 1970s, noting that it played a significant role in youth engagement and national cohesion.
“Resuscitation and restoration of such dead opportunities must be revisited and worked on for Peace to reign in Nigeria.”
“I could remember Waheed Ekun, a Table Tennis Sprinter, Dupe Oshikoya an International Athlete, Power Mike Promotion wrestling, ICC turned Shooting Stars or 3SC later, Rangers International, Red Devils turned Green Eagles later in the Leather Game both at National and International Arena.”
“Equally of worthy Memories are places like Mapo Hall and Liberty Stadium for International Sport Fiesta. What of Interschool Sports Competitions right from Primary and Secondary schools including Tertiary Institutions – NUGA and NIPOGA?”
He stressed the urgent need to revive these “lost treasures” to foster unity, youth engagement, and recreational opportunities for all age groups.
Reflecting on his personal journey, he said: “In the course of my 70 years on Earth, I have been Human Developer who has worked in the Secular World with the Youths and for the Youths without bias but with visible high impacts that are measurable among many Captains of Industries around the world doing well without Corruption.”
“All Nigerian Youths therefore are my Children hence my case before Government and People of Influence and Affluence is for them to help me give them the much needed attention for the Nation to be truly Peaceful and Prosperous at Sustainable level.”
He expressed gratitude to key stakeholders, including the BOT Graftadeen, the Elders Forum, Councilors, Football Managers, Team owners, Coaches and all Teams and Players
In the tournament’s final match,
Aktofas FC emerged champions of the football tournament, defeating New Era FC 5-2 on penalties after a pulsating 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Advertisement
