An Ibadan based Islamic scholar, Alhaji Tirimisiyu Ishola has urged politicians and national leaders to exhibit spirit of sportsmanship whenever they experience defeat in election.
He gave the admonition while delivering the Annual Ramadan Lecture organized by Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Oyo State chapter at the Media Centre of Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan.
Alhaji Ishola explained that series of court case emanating from alleged rigging and malpractices from the general election were not necessary if the contestants value the weight of Sportsmanship and its impact on national development.
The Islamic Scholar who noted that sports is an important aspect of human nature because it breeds fitness, tolerance and social cohesion, then enjoined Nigerians to utilize it in building the nation.
In an address, Chairman, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter, Olaolu Fawole enjoined parents to encourage their children to participate in sports so as to ensure healthy living and give them international exposure.
The chairman of Oyo SWAN Ramadan Committee, Alhaji Babatunde Saheed, explained that the topic became imperative in order to orientate people about religious beliefs concerning sports.
In a remark, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Oyo state Council, Mr. Adewumi Faniran commended the Fawole-led executive for piloting the affairs of the association aright, urging them to be focused in their resolve to promote sports development in Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.
Dignitaries at the lecture included, Ibadan-based businessmen and philanthropists, Alhaji Olaseun Abana, Alhaji Aka Olatunji, Alhaji Monsuru Kehinde Adisa Elele, Secretary, Nigeria Labour Congress, Oyo State council, Mr. Muhammed Ibrahim, Secretary, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Oyo State council, Mr. Bola Ogunlayi.
Others were, Chairman, Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria, MMPN, Oyo State, Alhaji Ridwan Fasasi, Secretary, National Association of Women Journalists, Oyo State chapter, Mrs. Stella Oyebanji and Representatives of various Muslim organizations in Oyo State.
