By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Femi Dansu

The role of sports in fostering wellness and unity took centre stage as the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), commenced its Annual Inter-Collegiate/Vice-Chancellor’s Cup, organised by the Directorate of Sports and Wellness Centre.

Speaking at the Opening Ceremony held today, November 27, 2024, at the Sports Centre, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, emphasised the importance of sporting activities to people’s well-being, adding that such activities were essential for a healthy lifestyle.

Drawing on the agelong adage that says, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” the Vice-Chancellor highlighted the importance of integrating sports into daily routines for both physical and mental well-being.

Prof. Kehinde encouraged participants to focus on the joy of playing rather than seeing sports as an overly competitive pursuit. He, therefore, commended the University’s sports team for their remarkable performance at the recent World University Games in China.

Appreciating the Vice-Chancellor for sponsoring the tournament, Dr. Samuel Olabanji, the Director of Sports, expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor for his unwavering support in elevating the University’s sports programmes and making this year’s tournament a memorable one.

The opening match of the football tournament saw the College of Animal Science and Livestock Production (COLANIM) claim a decisive 2-0 victory over the College of Veterinary Medicine (COLVET).

Other Games played at the Opening Ceremony were Basketball and handball, among others.

Dignitaries at the ceremony included Dr. Oluwagbemiga Adeleye, ASUU-FUNAAB Chairman and COLANIM’s representative; Prof. Oluwakemi Irekhore, representing the College of Plant Science and Crop Production; Dr. Olusegun Fawibe, representing the Institute of Human Resources Development (INHURD); Engr. Christopher Cosmas, representing the College of Engineering (COLENG), and Dr. Samuel Attama, representing COLVET.

The tournament would not only showcase the athletic talent of FUNAABites but would also reinforce FUNAAB’s commitment to holistic development, where academics and extracurricular activities thrive hand-in-hand.

Pictures of the Opening Ceremony are attached below 👇

Photo credit: Olatoye Sanusi