NOC, NSSF Train over 100 Games Masters on Olympic Values 

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In efforts to introduce games masters to the International Olympic Committee’s Olympic Value Education Programme (OVEP), the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) has launched a three-day capacity training event that commenced yesterday in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State. This initiative, carried out in collaboration with the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF), has attracted over 100 games masters from primary schools across the state’s 20 local councils, with support from the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).

At the opening session, NOC President Habu Gumel, represented by Kemi Obidahunsi, the NOC’s Head of OVEP, highlighted the importance of the program in conveying the values of OVEP to students through their games masters. “Our athletes start their journey at a very young age, and games masters are crucial to this development. To genuinely connect with the grassroots, we need to engage games masters in the school environment, blending sports with education. This program aims to enhance character development and educate participants on important issues such as doping, safeguarding, psychology, and nutrition. Games masters will acquire valuable insights that they can bring back to their schools,” she explained.

Olabisi Joseph, President of the NSSF, stressed that the program is designed to keep games masters updated on the latest trends in sports development while empowering them to effectively educate their students. “We are thankful to the NOC and Olympic Solidarity for making this initiative possible. Our goal is to enable games masters to positively influence their pupils. The OVEP initiative will provide them with new skills for identifying talent and sharing knowledge. We also appreciate the support from SUBEB and the Ogun State government for facilitating this comprehensive training,” she noted.

Mukaila Lawal, Secretary of the Ogun SUBEB, expressed gratitude to both the NOC and NSSF for selecting Ogun as the first training center outside of Lagos and Abuja. He confidently stated that this training will significantly benefit schools across the state. The program is scheduled to conclude on Friday at the NUT Conference Hall in Abeokuta.