Oyo State sports council urges athletes to balance sports and education

Tunde Ajibike, the Acting General Manager of the Oyo State Sports Council, has emphasized the importance of balancing sports and education for the state’s athletes.

Speaking to the press on Friday in Ibadan, Ajibike highlighted that education is crucial for personal and professional development.

“They must utilize the opportunities they have for proper gains,” he stated, urging athletes to take their education seriously.

Ajibike explained that sports and education are interrelated, with each complementing the other.

“Athletes will go farther and be more successful if they prioritize their education alongside their sporting careers,” he added.

He noted that educated athletes have access to more opportunities beyond their competitive years.

“An athlete won’t compete for all of their life, and this is when being educated comes into play,” Ajibike said, suggesting that retired athletes can pursue coaching or other roles in sports.

Reflecting on the recent eighth National Youth Games (NYG) held in Asaba, Ajibike expressed pride in the performance of Oyo State’s contingent.

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“Our contingent performed better this time compared to previous editions,” he remarked, citing a significant improvement in the number of medals won.

Oyo State, represented by 183 athletes competing in 28 events, finished seventh at the Games, securing 10 gold, seven silver, and 10 bronze medals.

This marked a notable increase from the previous edition, where they earned four gold, four silver, and nine bronze medals. Ajibike praised the athletes for their commendable efforts, including debutants like a weightlifter who won three gold medals.