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Gowon, Ekweremadu, stress importance of sports to national unity

By Kanayo Umeh, Abuja
01 November 2016   |   3:26 am
The Legends Wrestle For National Unity Festival will hold in Enugu on December 9 and 10 with over 20 wrestlers drawn from across the world featuring in different contests in the event.
Former Head Of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (second Right), Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu (centre), Enugu Sports Commissioner, Charles Ndukwe (left), Former Inspector General of Police, Dr. Mike Okiro, a member of House of Reps, Chime Oji, Murktar Abubakar Tafawa Balewa jnr, Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung (third right), and Ambassador Osita Offor (De Ultimate Commander, right) during the unveiling and torch lighting ceremony of the Legends Wrestle For National Unity Festival in Abuja… recently.

Former Head Of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (second Right), Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu (centre), Enugu Sports Commissioner, Charles Ndukwe (left), Former Inspector General of Police, Dr. Mike Okiro, a member of House of Reps, Chime Oji, Murktar Abubakar Tafawa Balewa jnr, Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung (third right), and Ambassador Osita Offor (De Ultimate Commander, right) during the unveiling and torch lighting ceremony of the Legends Wrestle For National Unity Festival in Abuja… recently.

Legends wrestle for national unity festival

Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Deputy Senate President, Dr. Ike Ekweremadu, and other prominent Nigerians have stressed the importance of sports to national unity, arguing that the country would be more unified if leaders paid adequate attention to the sector’s development.

Speaking during the unveiling and lighting of the Unity Torch for the Legends Wrestle For National Unity Festival in remembrance of Nigeria’s past heroes at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Gowon stressed the importance of sports to the development of Nigeria.

The Legends Wrestle For National Unity Festival will hold in Enugu on December 9 and 10 with over 20 wrestlers drawn from across the world featuring in different contests in the event.

Gowon, whose tenure as the country’s head of state started the National Sports Festival, noted that sports could be used as a tool for the unity of the country.

He called on every Nigerian to support the Legends Wrestle For National Unity Festival, saying it would help cement Nigerian unity.

In his address at the event, Deputy Senate President, Dr. Ike Ekweremadu, explained that there was a need to develop school sports in the country.

“We believe that if we are able to develop sports, we would be able to create jobs to ensure that some people who do not have formal education and those who do not have the opportunity of achieving much in education can also gain prominence just as their counterparts in Europe, America and the rest if the world.

“You do not need a university degree to be a good sports person… what you need is a good skill and a conducive environment.”

On the choice of Enugu for the festival, Ekweremadu said: “Enugu is unique in many respects: As the center of the South East of Nigeria, Enugu is known for peace and also for tourism because of most of all home movies are produced in Enugu. We believe that Enugu can also pioneer the issue of unity in Nigeria.

“Today, we are talking about arms struggle all over the place and we need to change the narrative; in doing that, we need to use sports, which we believe is one thing that is common to every Nigerian. We believe that if we bring people to Enugu through sports, it would be a way for us to network at a different level instead of a conflict level.”

Ekweremadu noted that the bill to restructure sports, which was recently passed by the Senate, would provide a level playing ground for every stakeholder and also professionalise football in Nigeria.

“The Senate is likely to take the second reading by this week and we are going to give it accelerated consideration and then pass it into law.

“It is key to diversifying the economy and when you are diversifying you are not talking about agriculture and solid minerals; sports and tourism are areas where we have comparative advantage.”

Also speaking at the event, Minister of Youths and Sports, Solomon Dalung, appealed to the youths to make selfless sacrifice to the country.

“We don’t need to waste resources in other things in search of posterity and stability; there is only one miracle we can do to unite this country and keep young people engaged and that is to engage in sports.

“A country that neglects its investment in the youths and sports is investing in building a cartel of criminals for tomorrow.”

Earlier, Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, had revealed that the state intended to use the event to promote the unity of Nigeria.

Speaking to The Guardian shortly after the event, world-renowned wrestler, Ambassador Osita Offor, also known as Dee Ultimate Commander, said the event would be used as platform to showcase an array of internationally revered wrestlers, who will be fighting for the peace and unity of the nation.

He disclosed that about 20 wrestlers from around the world would be participating at the event, adding that the two-day programme would not only showcase wrestling bouts, but also feature the best of Nigerian musicians, comedians and presentation of awards to the country’s living and past heroes.

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