The acting Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Hon. Kayode Oladele, has thrown his weight behind the Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA), describing the competition as a powerful tool for strengthening national unity and nurturing youth talent.
Oladele gave the assurance in Abuja on Tuesday when NUGA consultant, Khalifa Onu, led a delegation to the FCC headquarters. He said the Games aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places fairness, inclusiveness and unity at the heart of national development.
“Every edition of NUGA brings together young Nigerians from diverse regions to compete, interact and build lasting friendships, thereby demonstrating the strength of our diversity,” Oladele said, noting that the event reflects the same principles of fairness and equity on which the FCC was founded.
He described the forthcoming festival, which is to be hosted later this year by the University of Jos (UniJos) in Plateau State, as symbolic, calling Plateau a melting pot of Nigeria’s cultures and traditions. He urged referees and officials to ensure that athletes succeed strictly on merit, based on skill, discipline and determination rather than favouritism.
Highlighting the role of youth in nation-building, Oladele reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to policies that guarantee equal opportunities for all Nigerians, regardless of background. He added that the FCC was implementing reforms to promote fairness in recruitment and improve staff welfare across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
Oladele also stated that sports should remain a unifying force and a rallying point for national cohesion, adding that Nigeria’s diversity remains its greatest strength.
Earlier, Onu, in his remarks, explained that a committee has been set up to revive traditional sporting activities across Nigerian Universities and welcomed the FCC’s partnership in driving inclusiveness.
