By Joseph Kingston, Calabar
A student of the College of Education
Akamkpa in Cross River state, whose name was given as Esther Edet, has
been expelled from the ongoing 19th Edition of Nigerian Colleges of
Education Games, NICEGA at Federal College of Education, Obudu in
northern Cross River, for allegedly refusing to sing the national anthem
together with other participants.
She was said to have flouted
the rules that all student and participant should stand while the
nation’s anthem is rendered. Authorities said the expulsion would serve
as deterrent to other participants who may attempt to go against the
rules of the game.
NICEGA National President, Dr Sanusi Mohammed,
who expelled Edet said, “All participants must obey the rule and play
by them, any athlete who goes contrary to the regulations of the games
will be shown the way out. And that is why I am expelling this
participant for her attitude and disposition when the National anthem
was sung. This will serve as a deterrent to others to always obey the
rules of the game.”
But speaking to our reporter, the said
student said she was weak and could not stand during the anthem, saying
her attitude was not premeditated and that it was not connected to any
religious belief or any anything as some people had said.
However,
in his remarks during the games, the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu
Adamu said sports has ability to foster peace and friendship, boost any
economy and transform any society as it encourages healthy competitions
and create a veritable platform that can transform any society to a
better one.
His words: “Sports participation from ancient time
has always provided the right atmosphere through which people of all
races; color and tribes gather together to foster friendship, peace and
unity as well as boost their economy because of the massive economic
activities it generates.
“Apart from improving the mental fitness
of the people which in turn boosts the productive capacity of and
enhances human resources to dish out optimal service delivery, the
transformation that sport has brought to nations and individuals gives
me good assurance that we can have a better society if our leaders at
all levels can continue to contribute financially to sports programmes.
“It
encourages healthy competition with fair play and builds gentlemanly
conducts in all participation. Many individuals have become global
personalities through participation in sports and games under the right
leadership,” he said.
Adamu who was represented by the Vice
Chancellor of University of Calabar,UniCal, Prof. Zana Akpagu called for
the encouragement of youth, sighting a one-time international soccer
star and currently the president of Liberia, George Weah, as a perfect
example.
“Our youth, the future leaders of this great country,
should be encouraged at all times, in their sports endeavors through
which the right leadership training can be imparted ,to guarantee a
better future for all. Today, we have George Weah, one time
International Soccer Star as President of Liberia.
“The
present government will continue to encourage sports at all levels so
that our dreams of having a peaceful, united society and a progressive
society can be fulfilled. We are committed to supporting sporting
activities in the country and for various motivational incentives to
athletes that brings honor to the country,” he said.
Speaking
also, Provost, Federal College of Education, Obudu, FCEO,Dr. James Ejue
said sport world over apart from inculcating the ideal values preaches
love and friendship which in no small way keep us together as a people
and a nation.
He called on the participants to look beyond
mundane and primordial cleavages of tribal and ethnic sentiments and
respond positively to overtures of friendship among themselves and avoid
all vices including drug abuse.”
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