Traditional sports should be included in School curriculum--Governor Adeleke

 Tobiloba Taiwo- Awofadeju

 ...Promises support for cultural games and traditional sports development

In a bid to improve quality and standard of education in Osun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke has advised that traditional games and sports should be included in the curriculum and educational activities for students and pupils in the state.

The Governor gave the advice in Osogbo the state capital, during the first edition of Osun Traditional Sport and Games Competition, which was a part of the Osun children cultural show organized by the Osun State Council for Art and culture.  

Governor Adeleke, who spoke through the Executive Secretary of the Council, Mrs Solape Abolarin assured people of the state, especially the participants at the epoch making event that his administration places much premium on culture and traditions.

The Governor stressed that the programme will immensely help the incoming generation to know more about the cultural heritage of Yoruba land. He further enjoined students in Osun schools to take advantage of the programme and put in all efforts to make Yoruba culture sustainable.

The traditional ruler of Alagbeda of Agbeda- Ijesha, Oba Adesoji Adeniyi stressed that the programme is to teach the younger ones to get acquainted with their source and greatly appreciate it. He said further that the competition will give the students more insight into their culture and tradition.

He then appreciated the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke for according Yoruba culture and traditions a pride of place in his developmental programmes. He further appealed that such programme should be sustained in the state to sensitise our youths.

In her closing remarks, the Director, Field Research and Documentation of the Agency, Mrs Fadoyin Olajumoke, also appreciated the state government and all participants at the competition for making it a reality. She encouraged them to always promote Yoruba cultural heritage, pointing out that the Yorubas are blessed with many laudable games and sports aside from modern ones introduced by foreigners, some of which were featured at the two days programme.

The programme which was graced by stakeholders, lovers of tradition, students and teachers of different government and private schools from various towns in Osun State, the management and staff of Osun State Council for Art and Culture among others, featured different cultural dances such as Ewi, Ijala, Ekun iyawo, Ayo (games) and many more.

 Prizes and certificates of participation were also presented to the participants.