Sport ideal for sport promotion ―Romoke Ayinde

Ambassador Romoke Ayinde said that sports could be used to promote religion if athletes are pious and use it as a vehicle towards achieving such.

Ayinde made the call on Wednesday during the second Ramadan Lecture organised by the Sports Writers’ Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Oyo State Chapter,held at the Indoor Sports hall, Lekan Salami Stadium complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan.

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Ayinde, who is the Chief Executive Officer, KAYROM LEE GYM in her lecture entitled `SPORTS AS VEHICLE FOR PROMOTION OF ISLAM’ said “Akeem Olajuwon used Basketball, his kind of sport as a vehicle to promote Islam in US and a mosque was built very close to his training ground. So also is Mohammed Alli, who changed his name from Cassius Clay.

“Alli went to Mecca immediately changed his name and became an Alhaji. He continued to be a winner in the ring and many changed to Islam,’’ she said.

She narrated how some ex-internationals like late Rashidi Yekini, late Muda Lawal and Mutiu Adepoju  to mention a few used their attitudes and commitment their beliefs in promoting Islam.

Chairman, Oyo SWAN Chairman, Mr Niyi Alebiosu said the association would not relent in promoting sports at any available opportunity.

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He appreciated the guest lecturer, veterans, administrators and SWAN members for their unflinching support, promising that the association would remain united.

Among other guests present at the event are Mr Femi Johnson, Assistant Director of News, NTA, Alfa AbdulHakim Owolabi, the State Sports Council Imam and hosts of well wishers