Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba state Honourable Babangida Nguroje has advocated a legal backing for Tongimood sport in Nigeria and it’s inclusion in school curriculum for the mental and physical development of the youths.
The former deputy speaker who spoke as an awardee of Global Protector and Patron for World Tongilmoodo Federation during the official launching of World Martial Arts for Peace Initiative during its international conference in Abuja said the spirit and teachings of martial arts to build character must not be limited to kicking, punching, throwing or physical competition but discipline, respect, and leadership responsibility through the principle of living for the sake of others.
The APC chieftain expressed confidence that the 40-day pilot programme for Nigerian youths proposal as a practical begining to combine martial arts training with universal values, character education would further enhance the quality of youths in Nigeria .
He pointed out that the Tongilmoodo as a sport has not yet made significant inroads into Nigeria but that he will engage relevant stakeholders with the view to ensuring that the sport gets recognition of the ministries of sports and education through legislative backing.
He stressed that as a protector and patron, he will do all that is legally within his powers to see to it that Tongimood attains its proper position and lives by its values.
He commended the first 22 youths that participated in the 2023 and 2025 editions of the Tongimood international competitions.
He appreciated the International Chairman of World Tongilmoodo Dr Sik Yong for his visit to Nigeria and efforts in martial arts for the youths, adding that when groups pursue only their own interests,society becomes divided and urged every hand on the deck for the development of the sport and the Nigerian youths in general .
He stressed the need to raise a generation that loves loves humanity and country .
“Let us overcome the culture of selfishness with a new culture of Living for the Sake of Others. And through martial arts, let us build people of character, strengthen our
nations, and work together for a peaceful world of one human family.
“This is more than a dream.
Together, we can make it a reality.”
