Gbajabiamila, Dare, others preach discipline, excellence as NUGA begins in Lagos

• Oyedeji, Ajunwa light torch as athletes go to ‘war’

The University of UNILAG, on Saturday, was filled with bright lights, culture and beauty as the 26th Nigerian Universities Games (NUGA) flagged off. Although it was a day filled with speeches, there were signs, from the demeanour of the athletes, that this year’s competition will present exciting times for the over 70 universities listed for the games.

Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe (right), Minister of Youths and Sports, Sunday Dare, Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, Pro Chancellor, UNILAG, Senator Lanre Tejuoso and other dignitaries at the opening ceremony of the 26th NUGA Games… at the weekend.<br />PHOTO: TOBI AWODIPE

Present at the event were top dignitaries and officials from the sporting and academic world, traditional and religious leaders, as well as top political officers, who lent their star power to the mega event that shut the whole of Akoka down.

The dignitaries include Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, UNILAG’s Pro-Chancellor, Senator Lanre Tejuoso, Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, and a representative of the Lagos State Governor, Mr Sola Aiyepekun.

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God and the Mountain of Fire Ministries was represented by Pastor Jaiyeoba from RCCG Region One and Godwin Enahekna respectively, while Pastor Tunde Bakare and his wife, as well as Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, also graced the event. There were also former athletes, including Olympians, Chioma Ajunwa and Olumide Oyedeji.

NUGA President, Professor Stephen Hamafyelto, who led scholars to the event, spoke about