The Arole Oduduwa & Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, on Monday was named as patron of the National Principal and Headmasters Cup.
Ooni Ogunwusi who is the co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, received the honour while playing host to a delegation from the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, at his Ile Oodua Palace.
During the visit which was led by the Director of Grassroots Sports, Dr. Ademola Aare on behalf of the Minister, Hon. Sunday Dare, the Ooni described the proposed National Principal and Headmasters Cup sports tournament as a potent tool for the growth and development of the country.
The Ooni who went back memory lane said, "You don't have an idea of what you are doing until you start seeing it's 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 school sports like this, I took part in Headmasters Cup as well as Principal Cup. I goes beyond football playing or so, it is a process through which the mind of our youths are moulded to be responsible and 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 youths. I invite you to come and see how we shot the whole city down and get our young ones engaged purposefully." The Ooni said.
Earlier in his address, Dr. Aare described the honour as a recognition of the Ooni's full involvement, investment and participation in grassroots sports.
"We know what our father (The Ooni) is doing regarding the promotion of grassroots sports and we are proud. We are aware of the Ojaja II Football Academy as well as the annual football tournament under the sponsorship of the Ooni and we are ready to partner and support the initiative.
"Let me also state that the National Principal and Headmasters Cup is not only about football, it is established to create opportunities for students in boxing, football, swimming, track and field as well as badminton while we'll add others as we go further." The Director stated.
The Ooni was however presented with a jersey of the proposed tournament, customized with number 11.
Ooni's Ojaja II Football Academy in a recent friendly match with Ijesa Warriors played a 1-1 draw and is ready to contest in all football tournaments in Osun State and beyond.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment