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The Executive Director, Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Dr Patrick Adebola, and a former Nigeria International, Mutiu Adepoju, have urged Nigerians and researchers to embrace sporting activities, describing it as good for healthy living and economic development.
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Adebola and Adepoju made the call during the opening of the 18th edition of Research Institutes Games Association of Nigeria (RIGAN) hosted by CRIN in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
Adebola said the RIGAN Games was not just about competition, but also about building bridges, creating memories and showcasing unique individual talents.
The executive director emphasised that the festival created an interactive platform where research scientists and other officers across research and development organisations could exchange ideas under a relaxed atmosphere.
“This is healthy for researchers and ultimately Nigeria’s economy. I would like to use this opportunity to call on all concerned at various quarters to embrace and support the RIGAN vision,” he said.
On his part, Adepoju said he started his football career in CRIN and played for CRIN in RiGAN games in 1984,adding that the games was an avenue of discovery of talents.
The soccer icon said he was born in CRIN because his father worked with the institute and urged the participants to try their best and follow the rules and regulations in sports.
“I was once a CRIN player. RIGAN Games is a way of discovering talents and very good for health and make one to be healthier,” Adepoju said.
Earlier, the RIGAN National President, Prof. Oluwaferanmi Owolade, said the 2024 RIGAN Games, tagged CRIN 2024, was special because it was celebrated together with CRIN 60th anniversary.
Owolade said the RIGAN comprised 30 research and development institutes under the aegis of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Science and Technology, Health, Education, Environment and Youths and Sports.
The opening programme witnessed a match and football competition between CRIN and ARMTI Ilorin, which ended 1-0 in favour of CRIN.
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