LASU anticipates best-ever all-Africa varsity games co-hosting with UNILAG

The Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, has expressed optimism that the upcoming 11th All-Africa University Games (FASU), which LASU will co-host with the University of Lagos (UNILAG), will surpass previous editions in excellence.

Prof. Olatunji-Bello made this assertion during the Pre-FASU Games seminar held at LASU on Tuesday, as part of the preparations for the event scheduled to take place from September 20 to September 29.

Themed “Lagos 2014, Unite, Compete, Excel,” the seminar emphasised the importance of collaboration between LASU and UNILAG in ensuring the success of the games and fostering a spirit of sportsmanship and unity among participants.

The Vice-Chancellor highlighted that the joint efforts of both universities would play a pivotal role in realising the ambitious goal of making the upcoming All-Africa University Games the most remarkable edition yet.

“As we collaborate to create and fine-tune our ideas for the great competition, I urge us to be united, without any form of unnecessary competition or rivalry.

“Let’s put the interest of our state for which we are hosting, and the interest of the competition at heart.

“This is the second time the competition is coming to Nigeria, let’s work together as a united force to make it the best FASU Games ever.

“If in the process we do win the competition, that would be an icing on the cake.

“There is no reason for our teams not to come first and second.  We are hosting to make history, we are hosting to win,” Olatunji-Bello said.

She said that the Pre-FASU Games Seminar was the start of a monumental journey for the universities.

According to her, it marks the official merger of the organising committees of the two institutions towards the hosting of the games.

“Hosting this prestigious event is not just a testament to our university’s commitment to promotion of sports, but also a celebration of the rich diversity and talent that exists within the African continent.

“As members of the organising committees, you have been entrusted with a significant responsibility to ensure the smooth and successful execution of this historic event,” Olatunji-Bello said.

Vice-Chancellor, UNILAG, Prof. Folashade Ogunsola, said that the theme of the event was apt.

She said it would help the two universities to unite, compete and excel in hosting other universities and performing excellently.

Ogunsola said that it was a delight to co-host the games with LASU, and they would make sure that it was the best ever, innovative, excellent and one which would not be forgotten in hurry.

“Also, these games will build more collaboration and cooperation between the two universities going forward.

“I appreciate both the Lagos State government and Federal Ministry of Education for their constant and continuous support towards the preparation of the games,” she said.

Former Secretary-General, Nigeria University Games Association (NUGA), Mr Bola Orodele, urged the two universities to develop policies to further enhance university sports.

Orodele said that engaging critical stakeholders such as Nigeria Immigration Service, Customs Service, Police and so on was very important.

“We need to launch a strong publicity campaign that will enhance the work of the appointed marketers.

“We need to provide the best and standard facilities such as constant electricity, supply of water, good transportation, hostels, hotels and so on.

“The need to be constant by creating more awareness about the forthcoming games is very important,” he said.

Director, Centre for Multimodal Transport Studies, UNILAG, Prof. Iyiola Oni, noted the importance of planning for good transportation, logistics and a safe environment for all the participants.

Oni said that effective planning, coordination and management were essential for delivering a successful event that would meet the needs and satisfaction of athletes, spectators and host communities.