The gathering of who is who in Sports in the Country at the ongoing National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, capital city of Ogun State is a confirmation that Sports possess significant power to transform lives and communities.
Before I go further, I need to tell you that Bayelsa State has replaced Edo State as the main rival trying to dethrone Delta as the champion of National Sports Festival. It is getting interesting everyday here but Delta led by Hon Onoriode Oborevwori seems to be equal to the task. Athletics is the strong hold of Delta and it began yesterday. Let’s see what happened this weekend but I can tell you, it is getting tougher and tougher.
Sports can influence individual’s well-being, skills and social dynamics. It is a powerful tool for winning souls politically as done by the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun. One needs to be here to understand what I am saying.
Not only that, Sports is a tool to help promote an agenda, peace albeit to say it also provides an avenue for fun and personal growth. At the same time, one cannot quantify the economic gain.
Moreover, Sports no matter the level of squabbles, can unite communities, bring people together and share experiences. I doubt if there is any other thing that can bring people, old and young from the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory together as witnessed in Abeokuta.
Unfortunately, some state governors have failed to seize the opportunity that Sports give to change the lives of the people. I am most disappointed that FCT could not showcase much of what we have heard Barr. Nyesome Wike do in Abuja. Their athletes looked wretched and few. If it were to be a political gathering, I am sure Abuja would rank among the first three but it is not here. I doubt if they will go with a medal here as their outing have been woeful.
Having spent close to 8 days here, I took time out to visit Ijebu Ode on Thursday where Delta hockey team taught Nasarawa State how to play the game after scoring four I replied goals. From Ijebu Ode, I moved to Ikenne where I watched classical football between Edo State football team and Delta. It ended 3-2 in favour of Delta. It is not like the lackluster final between Manchester United and Tottenham United.
As has been widely reported, there is this song which says” If you know me before o, you no go know me again”. If you have been to the capital city of Ogun before and you come now, you may not know it again. The National Sports Festival has transformed the city in all ramifications. A critical look at MKO Abiola Stadium will tell you that the story has changed. The main bowl is world class with modern tartan tracks. Delta State athlete, Favour Ashe who may likely win the 100m event praised the tartan tracks and described it as world class. Down is an Olympic size Swimming pool and other structures that sprang up within this period.
The beauty and power of Sports is multifaceted as the roads leading to Abeokuta including that of Shagari- Benin express way is wearing a new look. The construction firm is still working on the road.
My visit to Ijebu Ode revealed that the transformation did not stop in Abeokuta. The Stadium there is also wearing a new look.
It is however Ikenne where one man judiciously invested his money that has remained the talk of the town. This man is Kunle Soname, the owner of Remo Stars Football Club which just emerged winner of the Nigerian Football Professional League. I make bold to say there it is second to none in the country and this is where I am challenging the wealthy Deltans to take a look and emulate. What does it profit a Deltan to keep his or her money in the bank and do nothing that will add value to the lives of the people. Kunle Soname is not as rich as many of us here but he is hero worshipped in Ikenne because of his investment. He has freely given the facilities made up of the main bowl, two other pitches, basketball court and the hotel, all within the Stadium available for Ogun State Government. This is another story for another day.
Talking about the beauty and power of Sports is what happens at the opening ceremony where the high and the low, the rich and the poor, the politicians and the technocrats mixed together to enjoy the best night. The professional beggars from Lagos, the “alarinjo dancers from Oyo State were not left out. Music icon, Davido was so carried away by the crowd that he forgot he was brought to entertain the sports loving people for few hours.
The finances of the marketers has changed as sales of their products especially adire, (Tiê and dry) improved drastically that demands outweighed supply. Bank too were fully involved opening accounts for people without the stress one goes through when you visit them in their banks.
With few days to the end of the games tagged” Gateway Games” those states which have never hosted any sporting event like the National Youth Games and the National Sports Festival must have a rethink and act accordingly. There is more than just the meeting of the people. It is an attractive activity for young people and can form a successful basis for peace building.
