A Sports enthusiast and former Director Account and Finance, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, pastor Michael Oluwole says Sports competitions at various levels will go a long way in dousing the brewing economic pressure occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy.
He stated this at the fourth edition of the Sports competition organized by the Redeemers men’s fellowship Region 10, Abuja family of the Redeemed Christian Church of God as part of activities marking this year’s men’s convention.
Pastor Oluwole who is also the President, Redeemers men’s fellowship Region 10, Abuja family, said the various Sports events featuring members of the men’s fellowship underscored the value of unity and health benefits, stressing that to get it right in the Sports sector in Nigeria, a Sports Minister must be someone with a track record in the field of Sports Administration.
“We need a Sports minister that can initiate a policy that will fasttrack Sports development in Nigeria. Sports is a unifying factor and must be given priority in the scheme of things in country.This sports programme is part of our contributions towards the nation’s development and also keeping fit”.
The one-day Sports competitions saw winners emerged in Ayo, Scrabble, Chess, Draft and Table Tennis.
Winner of Ayo event, Col. Favour Timilehin rtd, who represented province 16 went down memory lane on the tradional game of Ayo.
“It’s a traditional game which originated from the western part of Nigeria. Around the world like Brazil, Cuba,Haiti play the game of Ayo. It got to them because some of Nigerian that went there as slaves started the game there”
Another province 16 representative, Udeme Daniel who beat other contenders in Chess including defending champion to emerge overall winner, said his past experience accounted for his feat.
“I played professional during my university days.i have been teaching the kids in the church how to play chess.As you are teaching you are also learning. Am happy am the champion”
For the Table-Tennis winner, Mr Akin Bamidele of Province 2, constant practice was behind his success story.
“Constant training is my secret and I still believe I have more to offer in the sport”
Chairman organising committee of the Sports event, Olajide Ayodele, the objective of the Redeemers men’s fellowship Region 10, Abuja family of the 2023 men’s convention has been achieved, adding that sporting activities would be expanded in the 2024 edition.
“Like said last year that we are going to introduce two more games – Ayo and Draft. The competition is like a bounding event, bringing all the provinces together for us to know each other. Next year we are going to bring the men’s doubles for table tennis. We are also thinking of introducing football competition”
Over eighty members drawn from sixteen pronvinces participated in the five different Sports events comprising Ayo, Draft Scrabble, Chess and Table Tennis.
This is Great indeed, we pray for greater success in the next edition.