African varsity students converge in Lagos as 2024 FASU Games begins

The much-anticipated All Federation of African University Sports (FASU 2024) Games commenced in Lagos on Saturday.

The event will last nine days.

Sports men and women from no fewer than 11 African countries including Angola, Zimbabwe, Egypt; Kenya, Zambia, Uganda, Ghana, Mauritius, Botswana, Tanzania and Guinea have arrived Lagos Nigeria for the event.

It’s being co-hosted by the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka and the Lagos State University(LASU), Ojo and it is the 11th edition and second time Nigeria will play host to the event in its 50 years history.

The first time was 20 years ago at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi.

Ghana played host to the maiden edition in 1970 and countries such as Namibia, Kenya, South Africa, Ethiopia, among others had also played host to the sporting fiesta in the past.

Many dignitaries were in attendance to witness the colourful opening ceremony held at UNILAG Sports complex.

They included the President of Nigerian University Games(NUGA), Dr Bawa Mohammed; Chairman of Governing Council of UNILAG, Chief Wole Olanipekun; former vice-chancellor of UNILAG, Prof Oluwatoyin Ogundipe; his immediate predecessor, Prof Rahman Bello; Chancellor, LASU, Prof Gbolahan Elias and so forth.

Declaring the fiesta opened, the President of FASU, Dr Ashraf Sobhy, who is also the Minister of Sports, Egypt, stressed the importance of FASU to African continent.

He stated that the event, which will feature 17 games, is not just about extra- curriculum activities but demonstration of love and unity as well as power of collaboration among African youths notwithstanding their diversities.

He urged all the contigents to exhibit the spirit of sportmanship and oneness, noting that their participation is the in-thing and not neccesarily about winning medals.

Earlier, in their separate speeches, the Vice-Chancellors of UNILAG, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola and that of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, expressed hapiness that Nigeria is playing host to the rest of African countries, noting that the event is symbolic as it is the first time that two universities would co-host the event in its 50 years history.

They stated that the joint hosting breaks barriers and also demonstrates the power of collaboration snd networking to move university sports forward in Africa.

They explained that the essence of the event is to celebrate African unity in diversity, and extol its spirit of oneness, fair games dignity and respect.

They both warmly welcomed all the contigents and their officials, assuring them of exciting moment.

Speaking further, LASU VC implored the particpants to showcase their talents and skills in various games they would be featuring.

“We will also remind you that this is competition where a winner must emerge in every event and therefore, you should all demonstrate the spirit of sportmanship either your team win or not,” she added.

Olatunji-Bello, however, informed them that the two co-host institutions have prepared very well to make the event a worthwhile experience for them.

“We have best of facilities at both campuses. Your safety is also guaranteed. We want you to have event you will remember for good in your life time,” she said.

She saluted their courage, urging them to feel free and visit places of interests to them especially here in Lagos, the former capital city of Nigeria before they return home.

Similarly, UNILAG VC said FUSA is a mark by which youths in Africa show the spirit of African people to compete in friendly and loving manner.

“So, we expect you to unite, compete and excel,” she stressed.

In his own remarks, Nigerian Minister of Sports, Mr. Ewan John Enoh, who was represented by Mrs Nkana Mbora, the Lagos Laision Officer, of the Federal Ministry of Sports, said the event was to celebrate the unity on African continent using sports.

He stated that the event was not only about winning medals but to exhibit good character, show talents and demonstrate the ability to unite, compete and excel.

The contingents have no fewer than 17 games to compete for.

They include Athletics (track and field), Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Handball, Badminton, Table Tennis, Swimming, Taekwondo, and so forth.

While some of these events especially football and taekwondo will be played at both UNILAG and LASU, others will be played in either of the two campuses all starting tomorrow Monday.

Some of the universities participating in Nigeria, apart from UNILAG and LASU, include the University of Ibadan; University of Jos, Ben Idahosa University, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile- Ife; Rivers State University; University of Ilorin; Lagos state University of Science and Technology, Ikorodu; Ogun State University Ago- Iwoye and so forth.

 

Caption

Students of University of Lagos(left in front) and that of the Lagos State University, LASU with FASU President, Vice-chancellors of UNILAG and LASU and other top functionaries at the opening ceremony of the 2024 FASU Games held at Unilag, on Saturday night..