Ogun government resuscitated the Gateway Tertiary Institutions Games (GATIG) so as to discourage inter-institutional prejudice by fostering peaceful coexistence among young people from diverse backgrounds, an official said on Thursday.
The Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Youth and Sports, Olayiwola Abiodun, said the state was committed to engaging the youths in physical and mental activities.
“We also want to empower them to make the state proud at future sports events,” he told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abeokuta.
Abiodun noted that the games were resuscitated in 2021 after eight years of its being abandoned by the previous administration in the state.
He added that the state government aimed at repositioning sports as a vocation and a means of earning a living.
“Next year will be better as we intend to create a platform for our youths to showcase their talents in sports, which is also a way of keeping them away from social vices,” the permanent secretary said.
He appreciated the state governor, Gov. Dapo Abiodun, for his unflinching support, saying engaging youths in sports activities would go a long way in their lives, especially in attaining personal development.
NAN reports that nine institutions in the state participated in the games which ended on Wednesday at the Sagamu International Stadium.
Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) Ijagun in Ijebu-Ode topped the medals table after winning 21 gold, 15 silver and eight bronze medals.
Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) in Ago-Iwoye and Federal College of Education in Osiele came second and third respectively
NAN
