Gbajabiamila lights 26th NUGA torch amidst fanfare

The Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, on Saturday performed the lighting of the 2022 Nigeria Universities Games (NUGA) torch at the Sports Centre, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, amidst fanfare.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the kick off of the 26th NUGA was marked by a colourful opening ceremony at the Sports village of the hosts.

The opening ceremony also witnessed the march past by the participating universities while the students of the UNILAG Staff School also performed some calisthenics and dance session.

Other dignitaries aside Gbajabiamila included the Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, while Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State was represented by Sola Aiyepeku.

Also present on the occasion were the Managing Director of GTco, Segun Agbaje, Pro-Chancellor, UNILAG, Dr Olanrewaju Tejuoso, Prof. Stephen Hamafyelto and the Vice-Chancellor, UNILAG, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe.

In his welcome address, Gbajabiamila described sports as a veritable tool for unification among different ethnic background and religion.

“We have here men and women who are ready to showcase their talents as I did in some years past, when I was a student in UNILAG.

“About 78 universities and more than 10,000 athletes and officials are gathered here because sports is a universal language understood by many across lines.

“In days to come, we will be seeing talents evolving and there is no doubts in my mind about the university that will come tops, my only worry is about the university that will be in the second place.

“Sure, we know that `Lagos no dey carry last’. Furthermore, I have seen sports as a means of development and unity, that brings everyone together,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor,