“…we lead and others follow”— A. Peter, Minister for Sports, Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall, University of Ibadan
The Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall has always demonstrated an unmatched flair for excellence in sports. Within and outside the University, the fame of her impacts in campus sports is noised. The secret behind this is traced to the Hall’s high spiritedness for gaming and winning, influenced by the traits of commitment, dedication and passion. Indeed, Zik Hall is well acclaimed, “…Undisputed UI’s sports king…” To ensure this norm is maintained, Zik Press serves you with an interview with the incumbent Sports Minister, who sheds light on this venture.
Can we meet you?
I am Akande Peter Ayomide, the Sports Minister of Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall. I play football, tennis, handball, volleyball. I also swim.
What motivated you to run for the office of Zik Hall Sports Minister?
I have always loved sports since childhood. Having served in leadership positions related to sports in both my Primary and Secondary school, I felt motivated to keep up the spirit of service at the tertiary level, and I’m grateful to God for the success of my aspiration.
How best can you describe Zik Hall as “UI’s sports king”?
This is simple. Zik Hall has always demonstrated its leadership flair in the University of Ibadan and this invariably includes sports. You can simply say we lead and others follow.
What are your plans for Zik Hall’s sports?
According to my manifesto, the crux of my plan is to bring sports closer to Zikites. Though this has proven difficult to implement due to the virtual learning system in place. Still, I’ve been able to keep in touch with sports lovers among Zikites, especially football players. I also plan to introduce other sport forms like; basketball and volleyball. Unfortunately, the prevalent conditions have made executing these plans tough. Moreover, given the novel nature of the present learning module, it is necessary to allow Zikites to settle into the system properly while we innovate ways of introducing sports again.
Do you have alternative means of implementing these plans taking into view the virtual learning system?
Apparently, many of these plans require the physical presence of Zikites to ensure optimal benefits. However, my team and I intend to acquaint ourselves with Zikite-sport lovers through online platforms, so we can have a well-integrated group.
We plan to go about this by the creation of chat rooms on social media platforms for each sport form to be introduced. This is necessary particularly as we would be preparing for the Inter-Hall Sports Competition scheduled to hold next semester.
How do you hope to revive sports interest among Zikites; freshers and stalites alike, upon physical resumption?
I’m sure many of the Zik-freshers have sports interests. This advantage will be seized and converted to active participation in sports within and outside Zik Hall. Also, I believe with the famed nature of the events for next semester, including the annual Inter-floor competition, Zikites’ sporting flair will surely be revived. It is also anticipated that freshers will key into the Zik Hall sporting spirit and become invaluable in representing the hall in future. To diversify Zik sports, indoor games will also be introduced to maximize participation.
Can you highlight some notable achievements of Zik Hall in UI sports and beyond?
If you observe many of the sports engagements in UI, you will note how well Zik Hall is represented. For instance, Afolabi Akangbe, a fresh student, last session, was part of the UI football team that represented the University in Ghana, during a bilateral match with the University of Ghana. He is one among several other Zikites who participated in the competition.
As a sportsman what remarks do you have for Zikites?
I advise Zikites to choose a sport of interest to stay fit and healthy.
