By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
A renowned National footballer Legend, Dr. Segun Odegbami on Wednesday in Lokoja affirmed that sports is the sector that can change the World and enhance peaceful coexistence internationally.
Mathematical Odegbami made this remarks at the 15th distinguished
Public lecture of the Federal University Lokoja, with the topic “Sport has the power to change the world – how true?’.
According to him, Sport is connected to every aspect of life – science, technology, business, law, medicine, film, agriculture, tourism, media, health, leisure, hospitality, psychology, entertainment, environment, education, engineering, architecture, climate change, merchandising and manufacturing respectfully.
To start with “the title of this presentation is not original to me – ‘Sport has the power to change the world – how true?’. It is only the ‘how true’ that I own, and will try to tackle today.”
Otherwise, the title is a well-known and well-worn quote by a global political icon, delivered some 20 years ago in Monte Carlo.
“As lyrical and beautiful as the words may have sounded to the ears, since then Sport has not changed the world. It has not even impacted the world the way that it should have had the world appreciated its full power, and had been ready to embrace the kind of change that sport can bring upon it”.
He said the Madibba’s speech was epochal, everlasting words expressed before an audience of very famous global athletes at the First Laureus World Sports Awards event in Monte Carlo.
‘Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire, the power to unite people in a way that little else does.’
Sports according to Odegbami “speaks to the youths in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where there was once despair. It is more powerful than governments in breaking down racial barriers. It laughs in the face of all types of discrimination.”
“Sports legacy will be an international community where the rules of the game are the same for everyone, and behaviour is guided by fair play and good sportsmanship”.
“I proposed using Sport to catalyse, facilitate, accelerate and enforce the biggest and fastest infrastructural development program for the West African sub-region, by West Africa bidding to host the First World Cup to be held in the African continent”
In his speech, the Vice Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi said
As academics, “we recognize the transformative power of sports beyond the field of play. Sports inspire, build discipline, and cultivate leadership—values that are crucial for individual and national development.”
In this light, today’s lecture, titled “Sport Has the Power to Change the World. How True?” is both timely and relevant. Dr. Segun Odegbami, a former Nigerian footballer, celebrated sports analyst, and passionate advocate for youth development, is uniquely positioned to guide us through this thoughts provoking discussion.
The VC pointed out that Segun Odegbami’s remarkable achievements, from leading Nigeria to victory in the 1980 African Cup of Nations to his dedication to nurturing young athletes through the International Sports Academy, make him a worthy speaker on this important subject.
