Declaring open the 13th edition of the West African University Games (WAUG) being hosted by the University of Ilorin, in Ilorin, Kwara State on Saturday, the President urged the participants of the event to be good ambassadors of their respective countries by exhibiting high sense of discipline and decorum throughout the period of the sport festival.

President Jonathan, who was represented by the Supervising Minister for Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, described sports as a veritable tool for foreign policy and effective vehicle for the promotion of regional integration, cooperation, understanding and peaceful coexistence.

Also speaking, the Minister of Education, Professor Ruqqayat Ahmed Rufai, described sports as an effective tool of reducing youth restiveness and joblessness.

She commended President Jonathan for his assistance towards the upgrading of sport facilities at the UNILORIN.

Rufai noted with delight that the quality of sport facilities of the institution the first choice venue for future international competitions.

The Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Is-haq Oleyede in his address praised the federal government for the immense contribution towards making the event a success.

He traced opening event to March 29, 2008 when the former minister of sports, Mr. AbdulRahaman Gimba received the hosting right of the 13th edition of WAUG on behalf of Nigeria at the University of Ghana.

The university of Ilorin is fortunate to host the games on behalf of our beloved country and it was also my honour to receive the flag from the minister in Ghana.

We believe we shall not let the nation down while we are hopeful and optimistic that the entire competition within the remaining one week will go according to our plans and arrangement."