Last Updated on July 8, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Femi Dansu
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), today, July 7, 2025, flagged off the much-anticipated 2025 Staff Unity Games, in a colourful ceremony held at the University Sports Complex. The event was organised by the Directorate of Sports and Wellness Centre to promote staff wellness, unity, and camaraderie across all units of the University.
Speaking at the Opening Ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi, underscored the importance of sports in enhancing physical and mental wellbeing. He emphasised that sports not only contribute to a healthy lifestyle but also strengthen unity and cooperation among staff.
According to him, “Nothing unites better than sports,” while expressing delight that the University could once again host the Staff Unity Games, the last edition in 2021. He encouraged participants to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship, patience, and mutual respect throughout the tournament, assuring that the Games would be exciting and memorable.
Earlier in his Welcome Address, the Director, Directorate of Sports and Wellness Centre, Dr. Samuel Olabanji, appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for his unwavering support and commitment to advancing sports development in the University. He commended the efforts of the Sports Committee, staff, and participating teams for their dedication towards making the event a reality.
Dr. Olabanji affirmed that the benefits of the Games far outweigh any challenges, stating, “We have more to gain than to lose by participating.”
Highlights of the ceremony included a march past featuring various teams such as the College of Biosciences (COLBIOS), FUNAAB Falcons Babes, ICT Services team, Vice-Chancellor’s Office Team, FUNAAB Staff School, DUFARMS, INHURD, COBFAS, and IFSERAR, among others.
The opening match between the FUNAAB Falcons Babes and the Management Team ended in a 1–1 draw, setting a competitive tone for the tournament.
Also in attendance were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development) and the Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies, Iragbiji (FUADSI), Prof. Mufutau Atayese; Dean of COLBIOS, Prof. Iyabode Kehinde; Deputy Registrar, Executive Affairs, Vice-Chancellor’s Office, Mr. Moses Ayanda; Director, Institute of Food Security Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR), Prof. Olusegun Idowu; Prof. Gabriel Dedeke; Dr. Matthew Whetto; Mr. Olusegun Adesola of the DVCA’s Office, and many other staff members who turned out en masse to support their colleagues.
The 2025 Staff Unity Games was proudly supported by Okababa Farms.
Pictures are attached below 👇
Credit: Gbolahan Lawal
