By Benjamin Epeduno & Charlse Achoda – The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon Anita Annet Among, has hailed the late Dr. Aporu Okol for his significant contributions to sports development in the country.
In a speech delivered by the Minister of State for Sports, Peter Ogwang, during this year’s 30th edition of the Dr. Aporu Okol Memorial Volleyball Tournament at Kumi Boma grounds today, Among praised the late Dr. Aporu Okol for being an indispensable volleyball attacker.
According to the Speaker, the late Dr. Aporu Okol was also a great blocker, an excellent court cover, and a player with outstanding service and reception.
“In addition to being an excellent sportsman, Dr. Aporu was an outstanding civil servant and politician, rising from a local government veterinary officer to the position of Deputy Minister of Animal Industry and Fisheries in 1986,” said Among.
“Therefore, we have the onus to keep alive the legacy of such a legend through this tournament and exemplary leadership, aspects that he held dear during his life,” she added.
Among stated that the 11th Parliament is committed and determined to support the sports sector through the allocation of adequate funds and appropriate legislation to ensure the growth of the sector.
“This commitment has already been demonstrated in the successful bidding for AFCON 2027 and the allocation of resources towards the construction of sports facilities like stadiums. We commit to continuously increase the budgetary allocations to the sports sector and reach out to the sports fraternity,” Among said.
Minister Peter Ogwang urged the organizers of the Late Dr. Aporu Okol Memorial Tournament to make the tournament nationally attractive and competitive.
Ogwang noted that the benefits of this tournament are not limited to the economic growth of Kumi District alone but also extend to talent development across the country.
“On behalf of the government, we would like to appreciate Hon Amongin Aporu for keeping the legacy of the late Dr. Aporu Okol alive,” Ogwang said.
