Sports

UI VC applauds Ex-University of Ibadan Footballers Association on 8th Annual Reunion

Published

3 years ago

December 22, 2022

…Promises to explore synergy….Ex

…As lnternationals Adepoju, Shorunmu Headline 8th World Reunion.

The Vice Chancellor of the Nigerian Premier University, the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale, over the weekend welcomed members of the Ex University of Ibadan Footballers Association (EXUIFA) who paid him a courtesy visit prior to their 8th annual World Reunion.

Professor Adebowale, in company of the University top management team, heartily received the Ex University of Ibadan Footballers Association, led by their President, Mr Edwin Evbie, the chairman Board of Trustees, Mogaji (Prof) Olusegun Adekunle, and the Vice Chairman, Dr.Abiodun Salami, who is the immediate past Director of Sports in the University of Ibadan.

In a very light hearted meeting, the EXUIFA explained their plans to help resucitate football in Nigeria’s citadel of learning by working with the sports council, building of a 5 A-side stadium and partnering with a US Tech Foundation to train 300 female students in computer tech skills such as UI/UX design, Web development, Agile, Product Development, AI, Machine Learning and Digital Marketing amongst others.

The VC who expressed his profound happiness with the EXUIFA plans and their conviviality stated that he was highly impressed that EXUIFA has close to two hundred members which cut across different generations and many of whom are in the diaspora.

According to the VC, ‘’I am very glad to meet you all, and I am impressed that you have over one hundred and fifty members scattered across the world and still waxing strong. It is the plan of my administration to make the Alumni Association of the University of Ibadan stronger than what it is presently and your plans of future projects and programs has simply shown your Association is very much in line with the plans of the University of Ibadan’’.

The Vice Chancellor promised that his administration shall explore the synergy between the school and EXUIFA that will help grow the Alumni Association of the University of Ibadan and also help UI maintain it’s standard.

After the courtesy visit to the VC, and as part of their 3 -day reunion plans, the Ex University of Ibadan Footballers Association, also visited an Orphanage in Ibadan where they interacted with staff and children of the Orphanage and later donated cash and gift items.

On the final day of their 2022 reunion program, the Ex players played a football game amongst themselves at the UI sports stadium with 2 ex Super Eagles stars – Mutiu Adepoju and Ike Shorunmu as special guests of honour.

The 3 day event ended with a dinner party at The Trenchard Hall of the University of Ibadan, where various awards were given to deserving members and others who have served the Nigerian Nation meritoriously in the past.

The award recipients include Ike Sorunmu, former Super Eagles goalkeeper and present goalkeepers’ Coach, ex Super Eagles star Mutiu Adepoju, DCP Kunle Olusokan, Capt. Atanda Abiodun, Ajadi Abiola and Victor Uzoho who came in from Finland.

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Sports

FAME Foundation to the World: Para Athletes Need Empowerment, Not Sympathy

Published

1 hour ago

October 8, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi
The founder of FAME Foundation (Female Advocacy, Mentoring, and Empowerment), Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, has called on the global community to support, not pity, para athletes.

Speaking at the recently concluded Play the Game 2025 Conference held in Tampere, Finland, Atoyebi emphasized that athletes with physical challenges require empowerment, policy support, and inclusion not sympathy.

Aderonke, a fearless journalist and lifelong advocate for women and girls in sports, has consistently championed the rights of marginalized groups through her foundation.

Known for her bold and passionate advocacy, she reiterated that para athletes deserve the same opportunities and resources as their able-bodied counterparts.

The international conference, held from October 5th to 8th, brought together journalists, policymakers, and global stakeholders to discuss pressing issues under the theme: “Breaking Barriers in Sports: Integration of Marginalized Groups and Persons with Disabilities.”

Delivering a powerful and interactive lecture, Atoyebi stated: “I want to conclude by saying that para athletes around the globe need our support, policy reviews, and implementation—not our pity. They don’t need sympathy; what they truly need is empowerment.”

Her impactful contribution at the event further amplified Africa’s voice in the global call for inclusion, equality, and policy-driven change in the world of sports.

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