The rise in social vices currently bedeviling the nation can best be tackled in schools and in homes. This was the submission of Dr. Gbenga Olowo, Group Chairman, InterGuide Group of company expressed this during the Interguide Academy’s maiden inter-house sports event held recently at Agege Stadium, Agege, Lagos.
Dr Olowo, an international aviator who also doubled as the chairman of the occasion, said “Parents have a role to play, schools also have a role to play. School discipline must be revisited. There is no beauty in a child without discipline.”
The event, which began with March Past across the four major houses, where RedHouse displayed a special presentation hereby clinching an impressive performance with a gold medal alongside yellow house with a second position, depicts the significant role children and youths play in society, a reason it is necessary to engage them while growing in various sporting activities couple with their academics.
On a day when Red House (Grace Adegboyega House) came first and lifted the Golden Trophy, Yellow House (Dcns Stella Olowo House) came second, Green House (School House) came third and Blue House (Dr Gbenga Olowo House) came fourth, Dr Olowo urged the government to encourage sports development through schools inter-house sports, inter-companies games.
As the special guest of honour, Rt. Hon Mojisola Meranda, who was represented by Special Adviser, Legislative Matters and Administration, commended the performances of all the sports houses, adding that school sports are one of the major elements of youth development and character building to enhance the credibility of any progressive society and in order to grow, “it is crucial we embrace, support and develop school sports. Then we can begin to have a renewed hope of sustainability for socioeconomic development.”
Vice Chairman of Interguide Group, Dcns Stella Olowo, who reflected on her school days when she was active in the sprints and jumps, urged fair competition among participants and good conduct. She said good values and discipline are elements of success and that also determines the level of greatness in the future.
Royal guest of the day, Queen of Yaba, Iwaya Kingdom, Lagos, Olori Rebecca Temitope Oloko, a Paris-based women’s advocate, said her love for children triggered her passion for children’s uplifting and this motivated her to grace the sports occasion. “As a lover of children, today’s event means a lot to me; and I’m already thinking of schools I’m going to be talking to, to replicate things like this, as it will go a long way in helping the kids explore different sports and discover where they best fit.
Meanwhile, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Lagos Chapter Chairman and the United Nations Peace Ambassador of Nigeria, Olatutu Oladunni, commended InterGuide Academy for the sports initiative, stressing that “it is a way of talent identification and talent grooming, which will strengthen social development, tourism and cultural values. Sports is one of the key factors that boost economic growth and bilateral cooperation, it also contributes to effective foreign relations that influence economic policies among nations and continents. So, the power of sports can never be underestimated.”
She therefore commends Promasidor (TWISCO chocolate drink) for their significant contributions to the event and therefore appeal to corporate institutions to be open for more productive collaborations with schools and youth agencies to support developmental growth and development.
Air Vice Marshal Segun Philip (retired) urged the adoption of sports across all schools, stressing that, “Generally, sports teach discipline, perseverance and commitment, and it will help them develop into the right frame of mind;”
In the same vein, Vice President of Sabre Engr Allen Awosikunde noted that sports is the only activity that teaches teamwork. “In the four walls of the classroom, teamwork is classified as cheating, but in the sports and business world, teamwork is key. Teamwork is the future of any successful business. So, we should do more sports, as this will teach teamwork.”
The Principal of Elementary School Mrs Blessing Kukoyi, expressed her appreciation to the parents, pupils and teachers for their impressive cooperation, and contribution towards the event’s success. She said she is amazed by the performance of the pupils and of course massive turnout of the parents as they come to support their children respectively.
She commends corporate sponsors Promasidor (TWISCO chocolate drink), Golfview Hotel and Suites, Sabre and others for their support. She said school sports one of the major areas to invest in for children as they are the leaders of tomorrow.
