The celebrated football icon, Segun Odegbami, believes that sports possess the capacity to transform the world for the good.
During the 15th distinguished public lecture at Federal University, Lokoja, held on Wednesday, Odegbami emphasized exploring the limitless potential of power sports to bring global unity.
He mentioned that his journey throughout the years, both during and after he retired from playing and moved into sports media and marketing, broadened his perspective on the numerous links between athletics and different areas like health and commerce, amongst others.
He encouraged everybody, including those within the university community, to take up sports and harness their significant potential completely.
As members of this academic community, I encourage you all to scrutinize the tales I've recounted from my personal encounters and prepare yourselves to challenge these narratives as we explore uncharted territories together.
"Discover the infinite potential within the realm of sports, which stands as the strongest instrument of soft power globally, intertwined with all facets of our existence," stated Odegbami.
As per his statement, the late ex-President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, accurately pointed out, "Sports possess the capability to transform the globe. They can inspire and bring people together in a manner few other things can."
It communicates with young people in a way they comprehend. Sports have the ability to generate hope where there was previously only despair. Its impact is stronger than governmental efforts in dismantling racial boundaries.
Odegbami fondly remembered how the conflicts between Nigeria and Biafra briefly ceased so that combatants from both factions could tune into the radio broadcasts of the two games featuring the Brazilian club Santos, led by the iconic Pelé—the world’s most famous sports figure—against Bendel Insurance FC in Benin City and against the national squad, known as the Green Eagles, in Lagos.
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