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,,,Calls for Revitalization Of Sporting Activities In Schools
BY ABU-SATAR HAMED
ILARO-YEWA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro (FPI), Dr. Mikhail Akinde, has called on the Ogun State Government to renovate and revive sporting activities at the Gateway Stadium, Ilaro in Yewa South Local Government Area.
Dr. Akinde emphasized that functional sporting facilities would serve as a means of engaging youths productively, thereby deterring them from criminal activities.
Speaking at the 2024 Adele Olu of Ilaro Table Tennis Competition that took place at the Recreation Club, Ilaro-Yewa, Ogun State, on Saturday, January 25, 2025, the Rector lamented the stadium’s abandonment, noting that its dilapidated state has turned it into a haven for crime.
“An idle hand is always the devil’s workshop,” Dr. Akinde stated, stressing the urgent need for government intervention to restore the facility.
While acknowledging the Ogun State Government’s ongoing efforts in promoting sports, Dr. Akinde recommended making sporting activities compulsory in primary and secondary schools to harness young athletes’ talents.
He reminisced about the era when schools actively engaged in marathon sporting events, leading to the discovery of talents in athletics and football, lamenting that these traditions have faded without any clear explanation.
Dr. Akinde, a passionate sports enthusiast, was not just a speaker at the event – he also emerged as the overall winner of the highly competitive table tennis tournament.
The President of the Recreation Club, Ilaro, Mr. Kayode Salako, presented the trophy to Dr. Akinde, commending his skill and dedication to the sport despite his demanding role as Rector.
Expressing his gratitude, Dr. Akinde revealed that his love for table tennis dates back to his teenage years, sharing how his early training has helped him win local, state, and national tournaments.
Dr. Akinde praised the sponsors and organizers for their commitment to promoting table tennis and encouraging youth participation in sports.
The tournament concluded with the following winners: Dr. Mikhail Akinde (1st), Mr. Shola Ojo (2nd), Otunba Idowu Onifade (3rd), and Alhaji Lamidi Elegbede (4th).
With increasing calls for the renovation of the Gateway Stadium, Ilaro, stakeholders in sports development urge the Ogun State Government to take decisive steps in restoring the facility and encouraging youth participation in sports.
