"I was a beneficiary of School Sports" - Ooni of Ife shares experience as Sports Ministry Honours Him National Principal Cup Patron

The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Arole Odudua Olofin Adimula was on Monday bestowed with the title of the Patron of the National Principals' and Headmasters' Cup.

This was unveiled during a visit by the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development delegates to the Ooni's Palace led by the Director of Grassroots Sports, Dr. Ademola Aare who represented the Honorable Minster, Sunday Dare.

According to Ooni Ogunwusi who  also holds the revered office of the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria(NCTRN), the proposed National Principals' and Headmasters' Cup sports tournament is a welcome development, describing it as an important tool for national development.

"You don't have an idea of what you're doing until you start seeing its positive results. A sporting activity like this can be used to solve all issues confronting us today as a country.

"I was a beneficiary of School Sports like this. I took part in Headmasters' cup as well as Principals' cup. It goes beyond football playing or so. It is a process through which the mind of our youths are moulded to be responsible and face the challenges ahead.

"I have tried it through the creation of Ojaja II Cup tournament and the results are out there for show that sport is the easiest way to get the youths. I invite you to come and see how we shot the whole city down and get our young ones engaged purposefully", the Ooni said.

The honour, Dr. Aare remarked, is in recognition of the laudable roles the Ooni has been playing in the area of grassroots sports development. According to him, the ministry is fully aware of the various activities and initiatives of the Ooni geard towards developing sports at the local level which he said, is commendable.

"We know what our father, the Ooni, is doing regarding the promotion of grassroots sports and we are proud of this. We are aware of the Ojaja II Football Academy as well as the annual football tournament under the sponsorship of the Ooni and we are ready to partner and support the initiative", he said.