History was made on Saturday as the Egyptian Minister of Sports and President of the Federation of African University Games, Ashraf Sobhy, declared open the 11th All Africa University Games, tagged: “Lagos 2024.”
The News Agency of Nigeria reports the well-attended opening ceremony was held at the University of Lagos Sports Centre, Akoka.
The games has in attendance representatives from countries such as Ghana, Mauritius, Angola, Zimbabwe, Egypt, Kenya, Zambia, Guinea, and Nigeria.
In his opening remarks, Sobhy said he expects the games to be fair and competitive.
“Its history made and I expect fair and competitive games, I also expect good collaboration among the athletes,” he said.
The President of Nigeria University Games and Chairman Organising Committee 11th FASU Games, Bawa Mohammed, said the competition had all the indices for success.
Mohammed said: “The game is for the future of Africa, so I welcome everyone, because it is a momentous occasion.
“I want to say that we are privileged to witness this 11th FASU Games, especially for our youths.
“Nigeria last hosted the games 20 years ago, and it might not likely come back in the next 20 years.
“So the athletes are on the verge of making history as far as the games are concerned.
“I want to thank FASU for giving approval to Nigeria to host because it is a platform for our youths to showcase their potentialities, leadership qualities, to make friends and break borders irrespective of tribe or religion.
“I want to tell our teeming youths that it is time to test their career pathways in the university.
“Sports are no longer an extracurricular activity but it is a profession on its own, the same attention given to study can be given to sports.
“Sports have proven that it is even more reliable today, if you can break through as a professional.
“So this is a bedrock to start this and we thank FASU for the approval.
“To our teeming youths, please do your best and exhibit good sportsmanship, irrespective of the outcome, more than 50 percent will be leaders not only in sports but other endeavours.
“So I wish them a successful, injury-free and memorable games.”
The Vice Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, restated the significance of the games, describing it as remarkable.
Olatunji-Bello said: “This games are remarkable because its significance transcends mere contest for medals or desires for accolades by athletes and teams, it underscores a common history and humanity and celebrates Africa’s unity in diversity.
“I look forward to seeing thrilling contests and outstanding performances.
“This competition also tells how much values of sportsmanship we have imbibed.
“The games also remind us that no matter our belief, ethnicity, religion, language or ideology, we can all come together in the spirit of fair play and mutual respect.”
Olatunji-Bello added that as joint hosts, both universities were guided by the spirit of sportsmanship.
She said: “As a university, we have been guided by the need to ensure that athletes and officials are comfortable and secure.
“The standard of the facilities for this competition attests to our determination to host a games that will be a reference point for others.
“To the athletes from all over Africa, I salute your courage and doggedness.
“I congratulate you for making it this far.
“In competitions like this, there will be winners and those that fall short, but you all must exhibit the spirit of sportsmanship, to make the event a beautiful and exciting one.
“I welcome you to Lagos, the city of Aquatic Splendour, and I also appreciate the efforts of Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his unwavering support.”
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, in her welcome address described the 11th games as historic, because it is the first to be co-hosted.
Ogunsola said: “Finally, the Lagos 2024 FASU Games are here.
“It has been a journey we are grateful for.
“Coincidentally, this 11th FASU Games is coming exactly 20 years after it was hosted by the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi State.
“Lagos 2024 is historic as it is hosted by two Nigerian universities, UNILAG and Lagos State University, and it is the first time ever that the games will be co-hosted since its inception in 1974.
“This is coming two years after UNILAG successfully hosted the 26th Nigeria University Games, with over 5,000 athletes and officials across 75 Nigerian universities on our campus.
“We recognise that this is not just a competition but an opportunity to make friends, connect and build lasting relationships as well as showcase the very best of Africa in Sports.”
NAN reports that African Universities represented include Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Gabrone, Botswana; Chinhonyi University of Technology, Zimbabwe; Kenyatta University, Kenya; Kisi University, Kenya; and Levy Mwanawasa Medical University, Zimbabwe.
Others are Makerere University, Uganda; Moshi Co-operative University, Tanzania; The American University, Cairo; United States International University Africa, Kenya; Universite de Lobe, Guinea; and University of Benghazi, Libya.
The University of Cape Coast, Ghana; University of Ghana; University of Mauritius; and University of Zambia are also participating.
About 30 Nigerian universities are also present, including the joint hosts, UNILAG and LASU.
