In a grand ceremony held at the indoor sports hall of the National Stadium in Lagos yesterday, Chief Yemi Idowu was officially inaugurated as the Patron of the Nigerian School Sports Federation (NSSF).
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The event took place during the ongoing Nestle Milo Secondary Schools Basketball Championship, adding an extra layer of excitement for the participants.
Chief Yemi Idowu, alongside esteemed guests including Mrs. Olabisi Joseph, President of NSSF, Mrs. Funmi Oyewole, Category Development Manager for Milo, and Dr. Austin Jonah, Secretary General of NSSF, graced the occasion.
The investiture of Idowu as the NSSF Patron marked a significant milestone in the development of school sports in Nigeria.
Expressing his delight at receiving this esteemed honor, Idowu emphasized the importance of collaboration between himself and the NSSF in order to secure funding for school sports.
He revealed plans to align the school sports calendar with holidays and other school activities, making it easier for students to participate in various sporting events.
Idowu’s vision includes organizing a school football competition with the final scheduled to take place in November at the newly renovated Maracana Stadium in Ajegunle, Lagos. The objective is to provide students with opportunities to engage in sports at different levels.
Acknowledging Idowu’s immense contributions to grassroots sports development, NSSF President Olabisi Joseph commended his involvement in promoting sports and his philanthropic initiatives.
Joseph expressed confidence that Idowu’s association with the federation would inspire and motivate young athletes to strive for excellence.
As the newly appointed NSSF Patron, Idowu is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of sports in Nigeria. He will support the federation in developing strategies to enhance the quality of sporting and educational programs, securing sponsorships for events, and expanding the federation’s reach.
With his dedication to sports and unwavering support for young athletes, Idowu is deemed an ideal candidate for this prestigious position.
The investiture ceremony not only marked a momentous occasion for Chief Yemi Idowu but also brought unexpected joy to the students, teachers, and officials present at the National Stadium.
The Nestle Milo Secondary Schools Basketball Championship provided a fitting backdrop for this celebration of sports and the recognition of a remarkable individual who has dedicated himself to the advancement of school sports in Nigeria.
