Stakeholders have advocated the need for a strategic approach for the development of Karate sports to reduce the level of crime in the society.
This was the underlying message at the 22nd edition of grading exercise and end of the year programme of the Kwara State Karate Association which was held today, Saturday 17th December, 2022 in Ilorin, Kwara State Capital.
The programme which witnessed exhibition of Karate styles ranging from Kihon, Kata and Kumite was powered by the Grand Patron of the Kwara State Karate Association, Alhaji Hamza Usman, Talban Ebira Land.
Speaking to newsmen, the former Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly and currently the Dean, Faculty of Law, Baze University in Abuja, Professor Ali Ahmad, who commended Alhaji Hamza for helping the youths expressed the need to explore every opportunity to take the sports to the enviable heights in Kwara State giving its potential.
In his own remarks, Mallam Qowiyu Olododo the Acting General Manager of KWASSIP, said “I was encouraged and moved by the display of the kids here today. This particular sport with its philosophy of self discipline, aid to justice would help the Karatekas in their pursuit for excellence in life”
While also noting the significance of the sport, Professor Amos Baje, the Sub-Dean; Faculty of Communication of Information Science at the University of Ilorin stressed the need to inculcate discipline in the youth, and urged the government to secure the future of the society by investing in the youths.
Earlier, the Kwara State Karate Coach, Hakeem Lawal, who revealed that 85 Karatekas participated in the event appreciates the Grand Patron for his continuous support to the sport which is now attracting youths in their large numbers.
Highlights of the event was the presentation of medals by the association to distinguished personalities, including its Grand Patron.
The well attended exercise also saw the presentation of certificates to Karatekas having met the grading requirements.
Some of the personalities present at the event include, Hon. Musa Idris Buko; candidate for Baruten, Kaiama Federal Constituency, Alhaji Olaitan Sulu Gambari; newly promoted Assistant Commissioner of Police, Bayour Issah; CEO and Publisher of Sportspro News, O.C Godson; Vice Chairman of Karate Association in Kwara State and Patience Lawal; Head of coaching, Kwara State Sports Commission, among others.
