A new era has dawned at the Nigeria Association of Sports Science and Medicine following the election of a new executive, led by Professor I.O. Oladipo, to oversee the organisation’s affairs. At the Nigeria Association of Sports Science and Medicine conference, held at the premier university in Ibadan, Professor Oladipo was elected after triumphing over his rival, Professor Ochuko Nabofa.
Professor Dominic Leah Oluwafunmilola was elected unopposed as Vice President, while Dr Boluwaji G. Jaiyesimi took on the role of General Secretary, and Mr Taiwo Abdulkarim was appointed as the Assistant General Secretary. Other notable appointments include Professor M.H. Darma, who emerged unopposed as Treasurer, and Dr Victor Ogunleye, who will serve as the image maker for the professional body.
The election formed part of the activities for the 2025 Conference, themed “Shaping Humans and Society through the Science and Medicine of Sports.”
Professor Oladipo expressed his commitment to an inclusive leadership style that aims to position the Association at the pinnacle of professional bodies.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Emmanuel Igoh Odokuma, Provost of the College of Health Sciences at Delta State University, Abraka, lamented the rising incidence of mental illnesses in the country.
He urged Nigerians to engage in sporting activities to alleviate stress, emotional trauma, and disorders that can lead to mental health issues. Odokuma further emphasised that participation in sports can reduce stress and enhance longevity, advocating for governments at all levels to promote sporting activities among citizens to improve life expectancy rates in the country.
“We explored how medicine and science can influence sports. We addressed issues concerning humanity, science, and sports, as well as the benefits of sports in the realm of medicine, particularly regarding mental health issues,” he stated.
“In managing mental health conditions, sports play a crucial role, especially in addressing psychiatric problems such as depression. Moreover, sports also provide significant economic benefits.”
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