By: Ayandare Ibrahim Akano
Akande Pelumi currently serve as the sport director for the department of Political Science, he is charged with the responsibility of leading and directing the sporting activities of the department for the 2023/2024 session. In relations to his office, he led the departmental football team to the seals cup in the first semester with the team winning a bronze medal.
In a sit-down with POSSpress, Mr. Akande Pelumi shared his experiences, challenges and visions for the future.
Q&A Session
Q: Every position comes with challenges, what are your biggest challenges so far as the sport director of the department?
A: Well, one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as the Sports Director is financial constraints. As we all know, the department’s purse is not heavy enough to cater to all the activities of the executives.
Another challenge is that of NAPSSITES’ lack of interest in sporting activities.
These are the two major challenges I can highlight so far.
Q: Ohhhh, those two are really concerning, how did you maneuver the last semester with these challenges and what was the effect of the on-sport activities last semester?
A: Glory to God and to my committee, we were able to overcome those challenges. In preparation for the SEALS CUP last semester, the players contributed, and we also sourced for funds to be able to purchase the form and other equipment necessary for our preparations then.
Also, we tried to appeal to NAPSSITES to come out in their large numbers to support us through publicity.
One of the effects is that we’ve not been able to purchase other items necessary for other sports such as basketball, volleyball, and so on. This has made us focus mainly on football.
Q: What was your biggest achievement as Sport Director last semester and what are you looking forward to accomplish before the end of your tenure as sport director?
A: I was able to organise a Freshers vs. Staylites and Freshers vs. Finalist football matches, as well as a chess competition and the department football team clinching the bronze medal in the SEALS CUP, are my biggest achievements.
Going forward, I want to create a female football team, basketball team, and chess team. Also, I plan to organise a memorable HOD’S Cup, which will be remembered for a long time.
I’m also planning to organise a friendly match between NAPSS UI and NAPSS EAUED, which will take place in Oyo Town. This will be an avenue for the players to explore.
Q: Lastly, if you are not the Sport Director which other executive office do you think you can perform excellently in…
A: I’m always committed to serving. Even if I’m not the Sports Director, I’m always open to serving others. Also, other executive members are carrying out their duties diligently. So I don’t think I can replace them.
Sport Director Akande Pelumi popularly known as Lahor show his intention as a committed member of the faculty performing his executive role and also promise to strengthen the sporting activities of the association. The whole NAPPSITEs will be awaiting his accomplishment in the sporting activities.
