The Provost, College of Health Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Professor Emmanuel Igoh Odokuma has advised governments at all levels to promote sporting activities among Nigerians in order to reduce the rate of mental illnesses in the country.
Odokuma made this declaration while speaking as the keynote speaker at the opening of the 2025 conference of Nigeria Association of Sports Science and Medicine (NASSM) organised in collaboration with Pan-African University Life and Earth Sciences (LAULESI, University of Ibadan on Monday.
The event was attended by the Vice Chancellor of University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale who was represented by the Dean of Nursing, Professor Prisca Olabisi Adejumo, Director General, National Institute for Sports, Professor Olawale Morounkola, NASSM President , Professor Olatunji Odedeyi, Dean Faculty of Education, Professor Olufemi Adegbesan, Head of Department, Human Kinetics and Health Education, Dr Toyin Jaiyeoba and Director of PAULESI, Professor Morunmubo Adeola Sonibare and the local organising committee Chairman, Professor Ochuko Eric Nabofa.
Odokuma while speaking on the theme “Shaping humans and Society Through Science and Medicine of Sports” at the conference held in collaboration with PAULESI on Monday, decried the rate of mental illnesses in the country.
He advised Nigerians to engage in sporting activities so as to reduce stress, emotional trauma and disorders which may lead to mental illnesses.
Odokuma while speaking further, said that sporting activities help to reduce stress and increase longevity.
He also advised governments at all levels to promote sporting activities among the citizens to reduce life expectancy rate in the country.
Odokuma said, “We looked at how medicine and science can shape sports. We addressed issues like humanity, science and sports.
“We looked at the benefits of sports in medicine. Especially metal health issues.
“In managing mental health issues, sports has very essential roles to play in mental health especially psychiatric problems like depression.
“Sports also have economic gains. When we have sporting completions like NUGA games, it promotes the economy of the area where the games are being held.
“Sports also increase and longevity. So, sports is very important. These are things we looked at as the keynote address”.
NASSM President, Professor Olatunji Odedeyi in his welcome address noted that the theme of the conference encapsulates what experts in the field does.
He said, “Our theme, “Shaping Humans and Societies through the Medicine and Science of Sports,” encapsulates the transformative potential of our work. In this era, where human wellness, performance, and societal cohesion are paramount, sport (backed by science and medicine) emerges as a critical tool for national development, inclusion, and health.
“As I prepare to pass on the baton of leadership, I do so with deep gratitude and pride in how far we have come and hope for how far we can still go. Let this conference be a new beginning, a celebration of continuity, collaboration, and innovation”.
Chairman of Local Organising Committee, Professor Ochuko Eric Nabofa while speaking described the theme of the conference as timely.
“This year’s conference, with the theme “Shaping Humans and Societies through the Medicine and Science of Sports,” is not only timely but profoundly relevant. As the world as a whole, and our country in particular, grapples with challenges to health, human development, and social cohesion, we are reminded that sports, guided by science and strengthened by medicine, remains a powerful instrument for transformation of bodies, minds, and nations.
“Permit me to specially thank the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, the Director of the Pan African University Life and Earth Sciences Institute (PAULESI), the Dean, Faculty of Education and the Head of the Department of Human Kinetics, Dr (Mrs) Toyin Jaiyeoba, for providing the enabling environment and the institutional goodwill that made this conference possible.
“I am also grateful to the Director General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Lagos, Professor O. A. Moronkola, for not only identifying with NASSM to which he belongs but also honouring us with his physical presence and goodwill message today, despite the short notice and the many demands on his time. His commitment underscores the relevance and growing recognition of NASSM’s place in national discourse.
“To the President of NASSM, Professor Olatunji Odedeyi, I express our collective gratitude for your steadfast leadership, vision, and the guiding role you have played in bringing NASSM back to the national stage. Your encouragement and administrative support have been central to the successful planning of this conference and the revitalization of our great association.
“To the members of the Local Organising Committee, my heartfelt thanks. In particular, I acknowledge the indefatigable support of Professor Olufunmilola Leah Dominic and Professor Oladele Isiaka Oladipo. This conference would not have taken shape without your tireless contributions, leadership, and loyalty to the cause.
“Dear colleagues, as we engage over the coming days, let us be inspired to think boldly, share freely, and act deliberately. May the deliberations here ignite solutions and alliances that will shape a healthier, more dynamic Nigerian society through sport”.
