A swimming instructor based in FESTAC Town, Lagos, Stevens Soji Igein has disclosed that his biggest ambition is to see all Nigerians being able to swim.
He pointed out during an interview with sports247 that current statistics indicate that only 10% of Nigerians can swim, which he believes is not good enough.
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The swimming expert, who this week graduated from National Institute for Sports (NIS), also advocated a situation in which anyone with basic knowledge of the sport should go for formal training in order to gain more knowledge about it.
Coach Soji pointed out, “I am a swimming coach, and I graduated in Physical Education from the University of Ibadan. I decided to come to NIS to upgrade my swimming knowledge.
I am a director of Royal Swimming School in FESTAC Town, and that’s where I live, but I am from Edo State.”
He then spoke about the tough experience he faced during his stay at the NIS campus inside the premises of Lagos National Stadium, Surulere, and confessed that he did not enjoy the restrictions it put on his mobility.
The aquatic sports guru expatiated, “It’s been a little bit tough but, at the end of the day, we thank God that we are able to pass through. It’s good, because a coach needs to upgrade himself.
Tough days are part of learning and, since this is a federal institution, it’s okay for me.
All the same, my graduation day is the best moment for me, because I am now leaving.
I am leaving, after being stuck here for three months without going anywhere. So, I’m free like a bird now. I really did not enjoy my time at NIS due to some personal issues.”
He then turned his attention on general matters and declared that he would love to see a situation in which swimming became a common culture among Nigerians from all walks of life.
“My goal is that I want every Nigerian person to know how to swim. The way it is presently, only 10% of Nigerian people know how to swim. So, my coming here is to push swimming out for everybody in Nigeria to know how to swim; starting from a young age and to the world at large.”
The soft-spoken tactician concluded by recommending the NIS as a credible place where anyone with knowledge of sports should go in order to be certified formally as a coach.
“I like to tell other people to come here and upgrade more knowledge about what they have been doing before.
There are a lot of things that they don’t know, which their eyes will be opened to when they come here. They will get more skills, they will gain more knowledge and make their interests formal.
All students do not return the same way they came. The lecturers here are loaded and up to standard,” Coach Soji affirmed.
