Sports remain a unifying tool – Odegbami

Ex-international, Segun Odegbami, on Monday said sports remained the most viable unifying tool in the country and the world at large.

Odegbami, a member of the 1984 winning squad Nations Cup made the remark while speaking at the 2017 edition of “The Platform” at Covenant Christian Center, Lagos.

The Platform is a symposium organised to remind citizens of their responsibilities and rights.

Also popularly known as Mathematical Odegbami, the ex-international told the congregation that football has proven to be one of the most consistent unifying factors.

He said: “After the civil war, even though the Head of State then, General Yakubu Gowon, said no ‘victor and no vanquish’, but we all know that the Ibo warlords were down psychologically.

“Rangers football club was formed and it gave the Ibo community a sense of purpose, because Rangers won every available trophy in the country.

“Football and other sports can transform the world.

“It was reported that when Abedi Pele and Santos came to Lagos to play during the Civil War, it was reported that there was a cease fire.

“The soldiers tuned in their radios to listen to the commentary, that’s how football can transform our country.”

The former striker for the IICC Shooting Stars of Ibadan added that as long as the future belongs to the youth, sports remain the only factor that can transform the world.

Odegbami said: “We know how passionate youths are about sports, football in particular, in my school in Wasimi, Ogun State, we ensure that these children follow their passion.

“We also ensure that their education doesn’t suffer, we ensure that there is a balance.”