The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has said that sports has the capacity to solve national crises.
Ooni made the statement when he received a delegation from the Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development that was on a visit to his palace on Monday in Ile-Ife, in preparation for the reintroduced National Principals’ Cup.
The monarch addressing the team led by the Ministry’s Director of Grassroots Sports, Dr. Ademola Aare, described the innovation which is an idea of the Minister, Mr Sunday Dare, as a potent tool for the growth and development of the country.
Ogunwusi, who went down memory lane said; “You don’t have an idea of what you are doing until you start seeing its positive results.
“A sporting activity like this can be used to solve all issues confronting us today as a country.
“I am a beneficiary of a school’s sports like this, I took part in the Headmasters’ Cup as well as the Principals’ Cup.
“It goes beyond playing football or so, it is a process through which the minds of our youths are molded to be responsible and be able to face the challenges ahead.
“I have tried it through the creation of Ojaja II Principal Cup tournament and the results are out there to show that sports is the easiest way to get the youth.
“I invite you to come and see how we get our young ones engaged purposefully,” the Ooni said.
Earlier in his address, Dr. Aare described the Ooni as the father of Nigeria’s grassroots’ sports, judging by his investment, involvement and encouragement.
“This tournament is not only about football, it is established to create opportunities for students in boxing, football, swimming, track and field events as well as badminton while we will add others as we go further,” Aare said.
The Ooni was presented with a jersey of the proposed tournament, customized with No. 11. (NAN)
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