It was a moment of history when the two leading universities in Lagos ,Nigeria's commercial city, Lagos State University and the University of Lagos,began their preparation as joint host of the 2024 Africa Universities Games with Pre-FASU Games Seminar on Tuesday, 26th March 2024 on Ojo main campus of former institution
The Pre-FASU Seminar was held to facilitate the merger of the organising committees of the two institutions ahead of the All Africa Universities Games (FASU) tagged Lagos 2024, scheduled to be held between 20th and 29th September 2024.
Vice-Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, described hosting of the prestigious event as not just a testament to the universities' commitment to the promotion of sports, but also a celebration of the rich diversity and talent that exists within the African continent.
She expressed her confidence in the ability of the members of the organising committees of the two institutions to jointly host a successful tournament.
"I have no doubt that with the array and pedigree of individuals who have been appointed to serve on the various sub-committees of the main organising committee, we are in for nothing but success at the end of the competition. 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. You can not afford to fail, "She said,
She urged the organising committee members to be united in hosting the best university Games ever while ensuring the institutions also emerge victorious.
"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. And if in the process we do win the competition, that would be the 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," she said.
The Vice-Chancellor appreciated Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for his interest in the success of the competition in Lagos State
The Co-Host, Vice Chancellor of UNILAG, Prof. Folashade Ogunsola, in her speech also echoed the LASU VC's sentiments about hosting the best games in the competition's history.
Her words:"The continent of Africa has about 1.3 billion people 70% of which are below the age of 30 years. These young people are the pride of Africa. Nigeria has about 159 million of that population, and the people who will be competing are within that range. So, what we are doing is building a future of young people coming together, collaborating, and excelling. The bridges that we will be building will take us far into the future, and where better to build the bridges than in Lagos State, the State of Excellence, and where better than UNILAG and LASU?
"It is great that we are here today to flag off FASU and to tell everyone that we are going to host the best games ever," she concluded
Participants were treated to illuminating lectures by Mr Bola Orodele, the former Secretary General NUGA, Prof. Iyiola Oni from the Centre for Multi-Modal Transport Studies, University of Lagos, and Prof. Clement Fasan, the Programme Director, International Olympic Committee Advanced Sports Management Course (ASMC) Nigeria, before the committees were broken into different sessions for effective engagement.
The joint hosting of the FASU Games marks the first time ever that two universities in the same State will be hosting the competition.
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