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.