Aregbesola unveils “Ori Olokun’’ mascot for NUGA 2013

The Nigeria University Games 2013 will hold at OAU.

Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun on Tuesday in Osogbo unveiled “Ori Olokun’’ as the mascot for the 34th edition of the Nigerian Universities Games (NUGA).

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the 2013 NUGA Games is billed for between October 3 and 14 at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, in Osun.

Mr. Aregbesola, who described sports as vital tool for promoting good health and productivity, and also proportional to physical activities, pledged Osun government’s full support for the event’s success.

“It is important for people to live a healthy life through proper engagement in physical activities.

“Hard work is not just a routine anymore, but a necessity which is needed to improve the living condition of the people,’’ he said.

The governor, who described the games mascot as very perfect and a good representation of Ile-Ife, said it is very important to the Yorubas.

“Ori Olokun’’, which translates to the head of the Olokun, is an Ife ancestral monument.

M. Aregbesola said “Ori Olokun” is also a symbol of inspiration, motivation and uniqueness of the Yorubas.

He said he was identifying with the idea of the 12-day sports competition because of its importance to productivity and the economy of the state.

The OAU Vice-Chancellor, Bamitale Omole, expressed appreciation to the governor for accepting to perform the unveiling.

Mr. Omole said it was the first time that the NUGA Games contingent would be visiting the governor with the mascot.

The event will feature 20,000 sportsmen and women, drawn from 60 universities across the country, and they will compete in 15 events.

About 60,000 spectators and team supporters were also expected to witness the games.

(NAN)