FCC chairman backs NUGA, says games promote unity, inclusiveness

The Acting Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Hon. Kayode Oladele, has pledged full support for the Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA), describing it as a national platform that fosters unity, fairness, and inclusiveness in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Oladele made the pledge on Tuesday, September 16, during a courtesy visit to the FCC headquarters in Abuja by the consultant to NUGA, Khalifa Onu, and his team.

According to Onu, NUGA provides a platform for students from across Nigeria to showcase their talents and interact, adding that a committee has been set up to revive traditional sports in universities.

He noted that FCC’s support was crucial given its mandate to strengthen national cohesion.

Responding, Oladele commended the role of NUGA in promoting discipline, excellence, and unity among Nigerian youths, stressing that the Games have grown beyond sports to become a symbol of national integration.

“Every edition of NUGA brings together young Nigerians from diverse regions to compete, interact, and build lasting friendships, thereby demonstrating the strength of our diversity,” Oladele said.

He emphasized that fairness, equity, and inclusiveness — principles on which the FCC was founded — are also reflected in NUGA, where athletes compete based on merit.

Speaking on the upcoming festival to be hosted by the University of Jos, Plateau State, Oladele described the choice of Jos as symbolic, calling it a melting pot of Nigeria’s cultures and traditions.

He added that the location further reinforces the message of unity in diversity.

The FCC boss assured that the Commission endorses NUGA as a vital tool for youth development and national cohesion, urging referees and officials to uphold impartiality and allow athletes to succeed based on skill and determination.

Oladele also noted ongoing FCC reforms to promote fairness in recruitment, improve staff welfare, and ensure equity across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

He encouraged NUGA consultants to bring professionalism and patriotism to their work so that the Jos festival would be remembered for unity and friendship as much as for medals.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to embrace sports as a unifying force, stressing that the nation’s diversity remains its greatest strength.