2015 International Day of Sport

PROMOTING NATIONAL UNITY THROUGH SPORTS AS THE 2015 INT'L DAY OF SPORT IS MARKED TODAY, MONDAY APRIL 6

        

Sport can be defined as any form of usually competitive activity that requires physical effort and skill, which through casual or organized participation, tends to maintain or improve the said ability and skill; and also provides entertainment for the participants as well as the spectators.

Indeed, sport has been confirmed as the only common language spoken by mankind in their entirety irrespective of age, background, race, status, or social affiliation, due to its universality, entertaining nature and unique economic value. This is why it is being referred to by most people as one of the backbones of the socio-economic state of any nation.

Generally, there are thousands of sporting activities in existence, from the one requiring only two participations, to those with hundreds of simultaneous participants, either as a team or competing as individuals. Sport is basically recognized as an activity that is based on physical athleticism or physical dexterity. However, a number of competitive but non-physical activities claim recognition as mind sports.

Sports are usually governed by a set of rules or customs, which serve to ensure fair competition and allow consistent adjudication of the winner. Winning or victory can be determined by physical events such as scoring goals or crossing a line first; it can also be determined by judges who are scoring elements of the sporting performance using either objective or subjective measures including technical performance or artistic impression.

In organized sport, records of performance are often kept; but for popular sports, the information might be widely announced or reported in sport news. Suffice to say; sport is also a major source of entertainment for non-participants. Thus sport which often draws overwhelming crowd at its venue, also reaches wider audiences via broadcasting.

In recent years, there has been an increase in the application of the term ‘Sport’ to a wider set of non-physical challenging activities to include electronic games owing to the large scale of participation and organized competition witnessed in the sector. But the truth of the matter remains that this set of sports are not widely recognized by mainstream sport organizations.

Against this backdrop, there are opposing views on the necessity of competition as a defining element of a sport, with almost all professional sports involving competition and governing bodies requiring competition as a prerequisite for the recognition of any sporting activity by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) or SportAccord. Other bodies advocate widening the definition of sport to include all physical activities. For instance, the Council of Europe recognizes all forms of physical exercise or calisthenics including those done just for fun, as sports.

Considering the overall impact of sport in both individual and national developments, there is no gain reiterating that sports have contributed immensely in the uplift of the socio-economic state of most individuals, communities or nations across the globe through various avenues such as rejuvenation of physical fitness, human capital growth, provision of entertainment, and most importantly promotion of unity, just to mention but a few.

It is noteworthy that, the physical fitness and thorough entertainment derive from, either participation in or observation of, sporting activities have continually helped tremendously in sustaining as well as uplifting the healthy living status of the individual in question thereby helping to intensify the number of available manpower in the affected country.

Also, the recent total commercialization of sports has enabled the activity to be universally recognized as a lucrative profession. No doubt, most human capital developments witnessed among several youths or young ones are mainly attributed to sports or the entertainment industry at large. Taking the Nigerian football league as a case study; on the average, a player on a monthly basis smiles to the bank with not less than half a million naira (#500,000).

In addition, sports have succeeded in booming the global broadcasting industry due to its lucrative nature, which has made many potential investors to venture into broadcasting business. It is worthy to note that most media firms, regarding both the print and electronic, were established for the sole purpose of transmitting or publishing sporting activities having acknowledged by the prospective investors the financial implication of such investment.

Among all, the level of unity that is being derived from sports cannot be overemphasized. Several sport participants or organizers can attest to the fact that, sport has been the major engine room behind international unity among most countries. Survey shows that presently sport remains the only tool that truly unites the gathering or meeting involving millions of individuals from diverse backgrounds, races, or affiliations. Surely, it is only a dummy that is yet to know that it is only absolute unity that guarantees thorough peace and development among any group of persons, which is one of the paramount desires of any society.

Today Monday April 6, the world over is commemorating the 2015 International Day of Sport. On 23^rd August 2013, the Sixty-Seventh (67^th) session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly decided to proclaim April 6 of every year as the Int’l Day of Sport for Development and Peace. Previously, the Fifty-eighth (58^th) session of the said Assembly proclaimed 2005 as the International Year for Sport and Physical Education to promote education, health, development and peace.   

In regard to the aforementioned resolution, the UN General Assembly also recognizes the role the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) plays in showcasing the achievements of athletes with impairment to a global audience and in acting as a primary vehicle to change societal perceptions of disability sports.

As the global community marks the annual International Day of Sport, we are expected to embrace sport as a major tool for cordial unity/relationship among individuals or nations, thus ought to be taken seriously by any individual, government, or authority, as the case may be. Therefore, its teachings in every citadel of learning at all levels should be considered paramount and sacrosanct. More so, every parent or guardian is expected to encourage his/her child or ward in sports participation regardless of age considering the social, cultural, health and economic consequence of the said participation.

Above all, the governments at all levels such as local, state and federal ought to in their various capacities not hesitate to finance any sport activity or competition taking place at their respective areas. Also, the various schools ranging from primary to secondary and tertiary, should intensify efforts on the usual annual hosting or organization of sport competitions in their respective schools, and should endeavour to intimate or reach out to the entire public whenever such event is being organized.

It is obvious that in Nigeria recently, sport has been politicized by most concerned stakeholders. In view of this pathetic anomaly, the law makers should enact a strict law that would sanction or severely penalized a member of any sport governing body in the country such as the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) that is found guilty of any fraudulent or selfish act while discharging his or her official duty.

On the other hand, the civil society should endeavour to consistently condemn or criticize the ongoing fanaticism witnessed among sport lovers. They should be meant to understand that fanaticism, which invariably leads to extremism, is a cankerworm that might end up eradicating the prime essence of sports which is unity, peace and development. Statistics indicate that sport fanaticism has succeeded in killing thousands of people as well as maiming millions of them across the globe.

It is needless to state that we all, either individually or collectively, have a role to play in sustaining the overwhelming impact of sport in human development. Think about it!     

 

FDN NWAOZOR
(The Media Ambassador)
__________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348028608056

My Candid Letter to All Imolites

MY CANDID LETTER TO IMOLITES: A CLARION CALL TO VOTE WISELY

        

Dear Imolites, I sincerely bring you greetings from the powerful name of our Lord Jesus Christ. There is no need withholding some facts since the majority of us belong to the same religious faith; I’m referring to the “Jesus Christ” I mentioned above. Of course it was used because it is no longer news that the generality of Imolites comprised of Christians or members of the Christendom.

Fellow Compatriots, frankly life is all about learning from yesterday, living for today and hoping for tomorrow. In the same vein, there comes a point in our lives when we realize who really matters, who never did, and who always will. That is to say; as we learn from our past, live for today as well as hope for or be optimistic over the incoming days, we ought to endeavour to stick mainly to those who will always matter in our precious lives. I sincerely tender my unalloyed apology for the digression, though the prelude was consequential. Meanwhile, let’s hit the nail on the head.

The caption of this open letter bears “A clarion call to vote wisely.” This implies that the letter, which is designated for my fellow beloved Imolites, has to do with the fast approaching gubernatorial cum State Houses of Assembly election. Apparently, it is only a dummy that is yet to acknowledge that the said polls are already by the corner or at our doorsteps.

I’m not here to preach a ponderous sermon; rather I came here to tender only but a gospel truth. Thus I promise to summarize the overall content of the epistle. You would recall that in my last edition on this very platform, I did a work concerning the ongoing “Church interference in electoral matters”, which I also tagged as an epistle. In respect to that critique, I must tell you that this is exactly the right and ripe time our noble society requires the paramount and sacrosanct services of the church.

Taking Imo State as a case study, the church is expected to preach to entire Imolites the gospel truth. And the gospel truth is nothing but to let them know that they are meant to vote wisely and judiciously. Surely, the church is supposed to tell Imolites the basic criteria they ought to concentrate on regarding the idiosyncrasy of the various aspirants, while casting their votes. And the time to do so is now.

In my individual capacity, I thought it wise that as a Public Affairs analyst and Civil Rights activist, I’ve a very vital and cogent role to play as regards the aforementioned forthcoming political exercise. And my role is to tell Imolites that they are meant to vote wisely. But I can’t just ask them to vote wisely without letting them know the prerequisite that guarantees a wise vote, or what they are required to do to ensure that they wisely participate in the said election. And that is the prime essence of this letter. Let’s ride on!

My dear people of Imo State - the Eastern Heartland, as we are prepared to vote come April 11, 2015, I urge us to consider four basic factors critically while assessing the various candidates stipulated to participate in the polls. The factors are antecedent, vision, tolerance, and party affiliation.    

One’s antecedent is his/her background. Your background is your past. And your past includes, parental background, qualifications, accomplishments, and of course your previous public conducts. It is obvious that each of the candidates has a distinct background; therefore we must squarely assess theirs, one after the other. For those among them who have served in one public/political position or the other, we must thoroughly ascertain what they were able to accomplish or achieve while serving in such positions. Antecedents, I repeat is very, very necessary and paramount in a situation like this, thus must not be taken for granted.

Secondly, anyone who intends to serve us either as a governor or legislator as the case may be is expected to have a vision. Rather than concentrating on their so-called manifestoes that seem far-fetched, we should ask them to present to us how they intend to actualize their intentions; and that where mission comes in. I extensively wrote on ‘Vision and Mission’ in one of my previous pieces, which I tagged as “Interwoven veritable tools”. Believe me; a vision without an intended or proposed mission is simply worthless. So we must be extremely careful while assessing their visions.  

Most importantly, let’s discuss tolerance. Take it or leave it, a leader that lacks tolerance doesn’t worth being addressed as one. In other words, a prospective leader who lacks tolerance doesn’t worth giving an iota of space or chance to lead. Tolerance is the quality of letting other people say or do as it pleases them, even though you do not agree or approve of it. Suffice to say; tolerance is the ability to accommodate offensive opinion or action from anyone. I put it up to you that a leader must be tolerant irrespective of the nature of the leadership position.

Let me take you back to what transpired few days ago at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja during the collation of the results of the just concluded Presidential election from the various states of the federation as they were being presented by the respective returning officers on Tuesday March 31. On that fateful day, having granted the former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe the privilege to observe as requested by him, he derailed profoundly while enjoying the privilege. In his observation, he called the INEC boss, Prof Attahiru Jega names, stating that the man in question was partial, biased, tribalistic, and illogical. Surely Prof Jega was tolerant enough over the opprobrium constituted by the unscrupulous politico, which was condemned by every rational person present at the occasion. I commend the high level of maturity exhibited by the Chairman of the electoral umpire; that is one of the most fundamental qualities of a good leader. This is why I personally dedicate the peaceful outcome of the said polls to Prof Jega having dedicated it to God Almighty.

Inter alia, I enjoin us to think beyond party affiliation while assessing the candidates because if we concentrate on their political parties, we would stand to make an indelible mistake; let’s concentrate on the individuality or eligibility of the candidates. This aspect was made clear in one of my past works captioned “Thinking beyond party politicking”. Please let’s be concerned with what the aspirant would offer if he eventually emerged victorious; and this could be seen from his past or present conducts, not the political party he belongs as we presume.

My people, we can’t afford to fail Imo State, therefore we must endeavour to do it rightly just as we are known for. A typical Igbo man would say: Eku cha kwa la’m, onye nwere nti nuru. Meaning; I’ve said it all, he who has ears should hear.  At this juncture I say; let’s stick to those who will always matter in our precious lives. Think about it!

 

 

FRED DOC NWAOZOR

(The Media Ambassador)
_____________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348028608056

 

Church Interference in Electoral Matters

CHURCH INTERFERENCE IN ELECTORAL MATTERS

 

The hilarious nature of a certain circumstance might make one to behave childishly; thus, hilarity could be misleading. Notwithstanding, it pays to appear differently sometimes.

I must be unequivocal while tendering my critique in this piece if I sincerely wish to actualize the primary object of the aforementioned theme. In other words; for posterity sake, I’m expected to be candid. I pray no witch or wizard would make me truncate the anticipated whole content of this epistle.

Yes I call it an ‘Epistle’ because it is a sort of open letter I was directed by the holy ghost to send to the leaders of the Christendom in its entirety, which I am a bona-fide member. I write as a concerned individual being a member of the above mentioned global community.

Surely if I truly cherish the said family, I’m expected to do anything humanly possible to ensure that normalcy is restored whenever I see the leaders whom we address as ‘spiritual and ordained men’ derail or act outrageously. Believe me, no single member of this holy entity can afford to witness our cherished and God-sent spiritual overseers dancing Hi-life music when we expect them to dance to the tune of Country song. Well, that’s by the way. Let’s go straightly to the point.

Electoral matters, in a concise term, are issues relating to political pursuits or strides. It is obvious that politics as a profession is definitely as old as the world, if not older. This implies that there is an element of politics in any living individual regardless of his or her affiliation. On the other hand, we ought not to forget that politics is a distinct profession meant for or being practised by a group of persons.

Suffice to say; everyone belongs or is affiliated to a certain profession irrespective of age. And every profession is strictly designed for a given purpose, all for the betterment of mankind. But the annoying part is the situation whereby someone would interfere to other people’s profession or transcend to one that doesn’t match his/hers, or one that is totally contrary to his/her calling. Let’s ride on!

To commence with; the church is a holistic institution meant for the liberation of mankind from all forms of bondage or to strengthen or uplift one’s faith as well as bring him nearer to his salvation. Considering the current political situation in Nigeria, you would notice that most church leaders or clergy men have either stylishly or wholly ventured into the situation in question thereby generating strident sounds or series of unwarranted cacophony.

The duty of the church in a scenario like this is to pray vehemently and vigorously for the various persons involved and the nation at large; but on the contrary, you would observe that most of the so-called men of God have gotten it wrongly. Some have completely delved into politics, unknowingly or deliberately, all in the name of ‘Monitoring the politicos in order to create a conducive environment for the ordinary people.’ This is exactly the hilarious nature of the ongoing scenario, which had succeeded in making my person laugh childishly.

If I may ask; when did the church abruptly turned to a civil society? If the church is never a civil society organization, then how can their leaders be acting like frontiers of a civil group? I’m just thinking aloud. For crying out loudly, the role of the church in any given society is plain and boldly written; it is meant to sanctify, pray, advise, and above all, liberate the members of the concerned society.

In this regard, personally I’m of the view that the idea of a church organizing debate for political aspirants is totally out of play. Rather, a church could be invited over to observe or better still sanctify a certain political debate or gathering, but not standing in as the organizer or the chief host. Every institution or organization has a calling, or is called for a particular purpose; and as its pursuit progresses, it is expected to adhere strictly to the motive of the said calling, so that it won’t be abused.

I want to disabuse us of the notion or intuition that the President of a country has the right to preach gospel to the congregation in any church he worships since he is the ‘Number one’ citizen of his country. Being the number one in that country doesn’t make him a clergy man, or vice-versa; therefore mustn’t be seen as one who can fit in such position unless he is as well qualified. There are no two ways about it. 

Without mincing words, the recent interference of the church in political/electoral matters has really succeeded in constituting nuisance to our noble nation, thus such unwarranted and appalling attitude must be put on hold to avoid an astonishing catastrophe. I’m quite sure you wouldn’t need an exegesis for this critique. Think about it!    

 

COMR FRED D.N NWAOZOR

(The Media Ambassador)
_____________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348028608056