Sports promotes international peace —Ojo

Dr Gbade Ojo, the Chief of Staff to Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has described sports as a tool for the promotion of international peace and physical well-being of the people, just as he pledged support for the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Oyo State chapter in its quest to achieve greatness.

He made the remarks on Thursday in Ibadan, when he was decorated as the Patron of SWAN, Oyo State chapter in his office.

“When you see national teams play, either at the AFCON or World Cup, the trophies at stake are to promote peace.

“Wherever you witness sports activities, there are diverse spectators on the basis of towns, state, countries and even skin texture, who forget their problems and hatred.

“Even at homes, people forget their problems when they are glued to their television sets offering special prayers for participants,” he said.

Ojo stated that sports sector has become big business across the globe, saying that sports in Nigeria was still at the pedestrian level.

In his remarks, Mr Niyi Alebiosu, the Chairman, Oyo SWAN stated that the association had carefully picked Ojo as the patron, having considered his usual support and numerous contributions to humanity and sports development in the state.

Alebiosu said that the new leadership of SWAN, both in the state and country have developed laudable programmes to move sports to greater heights.

He said that sports in Oyo state needs to be improved upon and as such the association would not relent in its efforts at reviving it, hence; its proposed sports summit scheduled to hold next Wednesday at the Wallan Hall of the D’Rovans Hotel, Ibadan.

He enjoined the media to harp more on such aspect for the policy makers and non-state actors to promote sports and discourage cultural imperialism.

“Developed countries have tried a lot in turning sports to a big business. We still have sports on the pedestrian level in Nigeria.

“Sports enthusiasts in the country today now patronise viewing centres to watch foreign clubs at the expense of our various local teams.

“We need to revive sports in Nigeria and develop talents to discourage cultural imperialism. Our talents don’t have to sojourn in foreign lands before becoming stars,” he said.

Ojo, who appreciated Ajimobi for giving him the opportunity to serve thanked SWAN for recognising him and promised to support the association in all its capacity-building programmes.

In his remarks, Mr Adeboye Ajayi, the SWAN National vice-president (South West) appreciated Ojo for his usual support, saying that his new role as patron is to assist the association attain greater heights.

Also, Mr Niyi Alebiosu, the Chairman, Oyo SWAN stated that the association had carefully picked Ojo as the patron, having considered his usual support and numerous contributions to humanity and sports development in the state.

Alebiosu said that the new leadership of SWAN, both in the state and country have developed laudable programmes to move sports to greater heights.

He said that sports in Oyo state needs to be improved upon and as such the association would not relent in its efforts at reviving it hence; its proposed sports summit scheduled to hold next Wednesday at the Wallan Hall of Drovans Hotel, Ibadan.