The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Monday in Ile-Ife said sports has the capacity to solve national crises.
The traditional ruler said this when he received a delegation from the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development which was on a visit to his palace.
The delegation’s call on the Ojaja II was part of preparations for the reintroduced National Principals Cup competition.
While addressing the team led by the Ministry’s Director of Grassroots Sports, Dr. Ademola Are, Ogunwusi described the competition’s reintroduction as a potent tool for the country’s growth and development.
Ogunwusi, who went down memory lane, added: “You don’t have an idea of what you are doing until you start seeing its positive results.
“A Sports activity like this can be used to solve all issues confronting us today as a country.
“I am a beneficiary of schools sports. I took part in the Headmasters’ Cup as well as the Principals’ Cup.
“It goes beyond playing football or so. It is a process through which the minds of our youths are moulded to be responsible and be able to face the challenges ahead.
“I have tried it through the creation of the Ojaja II Principals 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 get our young ones engaged purposefully,” the Ooni said.
Earlier in his address, Are described the Ooni as the father of Nigeria’s grassroots sports, judging by his investment, involvement and encouragement.
“This tournament is not only about football, it is established to create opportunities for students in boxing, football, swimming, track and field events as well as badminton. We will add other sports as we go further,” he said.
The Ooni was later presented with a jersey of the proposed tournament, customised with the number 11.(NAN)
