AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
Sports delegates have been urged to allow the spirit of bilateral games to extend beyond the sports field.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Peter Olapegba, said this while receiving leaders of the delegation from the University of Ghana, participants and officials of the University Sports Council, to the UI and University of Ghana Bilateral Games on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale.
The DVC who noted that the University of Ibadan and the University of Ghana share a similar history and year of foundation, said it was homecoming for the delegates to the University of Ibadan.
Describing sports as a wonderful unifying factor, Olapegba encouraged the participants to explore the University’s tourist centres such as the Zoological and Botanical Gardens and other areas outside the campus.
The Chairman, UI Sports Council, Prof. M. A. Ajayi, said hosting the bilateral games is a great thing, adding that the two universities have been interacting to showcase what sports stand for.
Explaining that sports, more than religion, is the opium of the masses, he said bilateral games promote the exchange of cultural values and provide a leeway for introducing a new context of sporting in the two universities.
Ajayi explained that other universities that are not involved in the bilateral games want to unravel the dynamics and collaboration between the two universities.
The leader of the delegates and Director of Sports, University of Ghana, Dr. Bella Bello Bitugu, said the development of the relationship between the two universities from sports to research is amazing.
He stated that bilateral games are not seen as a competition but fraternity.
According to him, the bilateral games could not hold in the last three years as a result of the covid-19 pandemic and other matters. He expressed joy that this year is a reality and a success.
Bitugu said that progress had been made in bilateral games explaining that debate and seminars were being introduced, while the Local Organising Committee is thinking of introducing more innovations to the bilateral games.
Appreciating the University of Ibadan for its hospitality and team spirit, Bitugu said the University of Ghana is prepared and ready to host UI at the second leg of the bilateral games.
