By; AYO OJEDOKUN, Lagos
The maiden official launch of the Lagos Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) cultural Initiative which was unveiled recently in lagos at the Summer Glass House of the Golfview Suites and Conference Center, Ikeja GRA, has added another dynamic attributes to “SPORTS ” , as an entity that depicts and serve as an “unconditional religion of sincere acceptance which brings the community closer to the cultural benefits and values and also enhancing the relevance/ importance of culture in tourism and travels in the global space.
According to the convener of the event, Chairman SWAN Lagos State Chapter, Olatutu Oladunni, sports on the uniqueness of the ideal, saying, its indeed a glorious era of excellence for our amiable professional body, Lagos SWAN.
“It is a good thing that this laudable ideal is coming to a fulfillment under my leadership. And at this critical period of our economy and this I believe, will not just stop in Lagos, but rather extend to the national body,” she said.
“It was event that has attracted several personalities of high repute from different spheres of professionalism and corporate institutions, ranging from aviation, health, arts and culture, tourism, immigration etc. to grace the event”. She explained.
She said that sports has become a dignified religion of humanity, an entity of socio-economic building and an integrative force of sustainability in community building and character building of any progressive nation when we sincerely embrace the arts of culture in sports.
But for the Chairman of the event, Dr Olowo, who officially declared the grand finale open, he described the initiative as a unique template one needs to embrace with sincere hearts as it is another clarion call to invigorate sports tourism and sports culture.
Also hailing the gesture, was the chairman of Sabré West Africa and Central Africa Region, who noted the idea to be an incredible concept.
“It is indeed incredible because, one of the best ways to boost national economy is investing and initiating a productive partnership with institutions that will support and promote culture arts and tourism as this attracts bigger commercialisation and bilateral trades in diplomatic engagements”.
Olowo who is also an international aviator, said, “this amazing initiative unveiled officially is not just an event, but it has come to stay and it will stand the test of time as I can see a great fortune ahead of this impressive concept.”
He said, tourism arts and culture, when harnessed well with sports, boosts IGR better than crude oil.
He said nations with bigger commitment and dedication towards tourism, arts and culture create better sustainability for the well-being of its citizens alongside a reassured hope for flourishing future.
Having collaborated with reputable institutions like Coca-Cola, Amber Energy Drink, Lagos State Ministry of Arts, Tourism and Culture,, Traditional Sports Association, Golfview Suites and Conference Center, Newspost Magazine and ARISE TV, the event came out dignified as the diversity and importance of cultural heritage was well displayed and presented via traditional sports unveiling alongside cultural entertainment.
In the same vein, one of the special guests of honour, Professor Anthony Kila, a first-class product of the prestigious Cambridge University London, an International Director of Studies at the European Center of Advance and Professional Studies, A BBC London Commentator and Analyst, described the initiative by Lagos SWAN as another vacuum of creative exploration for sports, as sports is not just a recreational element to ease stress or create rejuvenation, but a multi-dimensional piece that reputable institutions both local and international alongside serious minded visionary individuals tap into ambiguously.
Professor Kila who is also a global expert of internationalisation and joint ventures with remarkable records on various international projects across the European Union and Commonwealth Nations, expressed utmost happiness towards the unique concept of Olatutu ,on cultural sports and traditional fashion entertainment as this will definitely attract better bilateral trades and foreign relations .
The policy analyst and advisor to European nations, said there are unquantifiable benefits in the integration of sports with culture arts and tourism and hopes agencies in Nigeria tap into this opportunity to boost sports relevance and give performing athletes a promising future of dynamism.
“The event which showcased the cultural diversity, beauty and uniqueness in Nigeria’s heritage as Africans, black race and of course as Nigerian is what we should continue to promote,” said SWAN Lagos chairman, Olatutu Oladunni.
She therefore, commended Nigeria Bottling Company Coca-Cola, Golfview Suites and Conference Center, Amber Energy Drink Ltd, Interguide Air and Wisefare Ticketing company, Traditional Sports Association, Lagos State House of Assembly, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture, Arise Television, Newspost Magazine , Sabré Central West Africa Region and Lagos State Government, for the continuous support towards the success of the project….
The National Officer of SWAN and a former vice president South West Zone, Oluwaseun Ajayi-Obe, expressed full joy towards the success of the event.
He said this is another major record of stability that has come to stay in sports and Tourism.
He commended Lagos SWAN for the initiative and also appreciated Nigerian Bottling Company, Amber Energy Drink Golfview Hotel and Conference Center and other personalities who supported the project.
“Coca-Cola has indeed played a major role as the official cultural drink of the event and Golfview Suites and Conference Center as the major host venue for the grand finale.
“Special credit goes to Traditional Sports Association of Lagos State Sports Commission via the supervision of the Mrs Bunmi Ojo and reputable personalities who contributed towards the success of the project launch, which include, Deputy Comptroller Nigerian Immigration Service (Rtd)Segun Adegoke, Chief (Dr) Mrs. Oluremi Faderera Johnson, a Culture and Tourism Global Ambassador and a legendary international golfer, a UK certified international sports and event planner, who has continued to place cultural heritage on the global pedestrian via diplomatic influence.
“Also is Dr Funlola Williams-Daudu , an Havard University graduate and licensed medical professional in General medical with Canadian Medical/Health Government Chief medical director Of Miteda Wellness Initiative, Miteda Hospital and CEO of Mitelo Farms who has promoted.culture, sports, health safety at global stage.
“Another special credit goes to Dr. (Barrister) Adesola Falae, Managing Director of Afkar Print and Doctor in Corporate Law, who also doubled as Special Guest of Honour and Chief Guest Speaker, has in no doubt promoted sports, culture arts and tourism via her charity foundation For The Love of Golf, Mr Oluwaseun Ajayi-Obe, Senior Editor, Media Consultant and a national officer of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) National Headquarters Abuja and The international certified Wellness Expert and skin therapist, Folake Lawal who analysed the essence of well-being as a cultural habit we all need to imbibe to sustain a good tradition and heritage.
“Traditional classic fabrics designed as costumes were displayed like aso-oke in the Yoruba ethnic group which featured (Sanyan, Alaari, Ẹtu of various ranges and pattern), also is adire of various designs, which was worn by bith male ans female personalities who graced teh occasion. Igbo traditional custumes and the ankara fabric and of course the indigenous animal costumes of Boron Foron people of Plateau Jos came exceptional as it all depicts pure tradition.
“Men from the Yoruba region came out in their agbada, kembe, sorority and buba, iro and.buba for women and mixture of ankara fabric with English tops was also displayed.
“Traditional royalty items like Irukere I.e horse tail, was given prominence alongside, obi a bata I.e kolanut, orogbo I.e bitter kolanut, atare, aadun , schinapp, and musical instruments like sakara, gangan, bata, sekere, Northern drum, eatern drum etc took prominence.
“While the colourful cultural heritage was displayed accordingly,” she said.
Oladunni noted further that, “there is strength of flourishing and abundant procession in our diversity as a country with various ethnic groups in their own uniqueness.
“Major traditional sports took prominence as Langa , Dambe, kokowa and ayoolopon were hugely displayed and well presented as their respective professional athletes came enmass to participate in the maiden edition of the tournament.
“DiaryFarm School Agege played host to the event as several athletes participated at various categories of traditional sports and games on the local pitch.
“The grand finale which took place at the prestigious Golfview Hotel and Conference Center ikeja GRA, played host to several traditional and cultural musical groups across the ethnic groups in Nigeria to demonstrate the diversity and beauty in cultural heritage
“SWAN Lagos State Chapter therefore, appreciates the amazing contributions of all the Traditional sports coaches who supported this initiative.”
