An economic expert, Dr Olumuyiwa Adedeji has described sporting activities in schools as one which aid in instilling the values of honesty and responsibility in learners
This he said on Thursday at the 2024 Inter-House Sports and Athletic competition of the junior arm of the United Secondary School, Agugu (USSA), Ibadan, which held on the school field.
Dr Adedeji, who is an alumnus of the school, expressed gratitude to the management staff led by the principal, the inter-house sports committee as well as the old students of the school.
According to Adedeji, “It is important to recognize that extra-curricular activities and sports teach students many important life lessons- discipline, focus, dedication, hard work, commitment, and teamwork.
“Sports instill plenty of values that help students to cruise through life with honesty and responsibility for themselves and others. Let’s all cheer on the students and encourage them to do their best. Let’s also remember that today, we have gathered here to celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship, competition, and teamwork.”
While admonishing the student-athletes to display the spirit of sportsmanship in celebrating winners, he enlisted some philanthropic gestures the school will be benefiting from him.
He hinted, “I will support the junior school in repairing the borehole system to ensure adequate supply of water. I’m also using this opportunity to launch a programme that awards teachers for excellent performance of students in the junior WAEC exam. This proposed programme will have an annual amount of N500,000 for three teachers.
“With regard to the students, I am encouraging the spirit of healthy competition by introducing an annual prize-giving day. The top three students in each set (JSS1-JSS3) will be awarded prizes. In addition, the best student in each subject will also receive an award.”
In his remark, the principal, Mr Waheed Akintayo, expressed appreciation for the hard work put into organizing the 2024 JSS Inter-House Sports. He thanked all the donors for their financial contributions.
“The management and staff thanked all the old students for their support, particularly Dr Olumuyiwa Adedeji, Professor Francis Fasanu, Architect Olutunde Adesiji, Mr. Taiwo Dauda Adetunji (TDA travels), Mogaji Arulogun as well as 1985, 1986, and 1987 sets,” he added.
Professor Francis Fasanu, an alumnus, described participation in sports as a critical element in the development of children and youths into responsible adults that are fully fit and able to engage in productive physical, mental and emotional activities.
He hinted that, “USSA has produced not only national champions but African champions and Olympians such as Honourable Taiwo and Kehinde Aladefa.”
Speaking on behalf of the royal fathers and parents, Chief Monsur Abiola Olatunji Arulogun saluted the courage of house owners for financing the 2024 JSS Inter-House Sports, despite the prevailing economic challenges in the country. He emphasized the importance of sports, including the strong link between improved academic performance and mental alertness.
Announcing the winners of the competition, a member of the organising committee, Mrs Fadeyibi, disclosed that Pink House came first in the football competition, Green House came second and Purple House occupied the third position while the overall winner of the sporting event were Purple House (House Owner 1987 Set); followed by Blue House (House Owner: TDA Travels), Pink House (House Owner: 1985 Set), which took the fourth position.
Among the invited schools that participated in the relay race of the Inter-House Sports competition, the senior arm of the USSA won; while Bashorun Ojoo High School came second, with Anu-Olu Private School, Oluyoro occupying the third position of the male category.
For the female category in the relay race, Queen of Apostle, Oluyoro, clinched the first place; Bashorun Ojoo High School, came second, and USSA took the third position.
Also speaking at the end of the event, Mr. Oyebola Sunday (Vice Principal and Chairman, Inter-House Sports Committee)emphasized the support and encouragement received from the old students towards the success of the event.
Comrade Taiwo Salawu, the Chairman of the occasion, assured that the 1986 set will continue to provide sporting equipment for the junior and senior secondary schools while Architect Olutunde Adesiji described the junior school inter-house sport as a way of building our young and dynamic student’s ability to have the future perspective of the race they will face in the future. Also, it is an avenue for students to showcase their talents.
In his words, the C.E.O, TDA Travels, Mr.Taiwo Dauda Adetunji saw the inter-house sports as a celebration- a unique opportunity for a community to come together.
The President, USSA Old Students Association, Pastor Peluola submitted that the event provides another opportunity for the whole world to know that the old students association of USSA are not only interested in academic excellence of children and current students but also in their all round development including sports and games. He reiterated that the importance of sports cannot be over-emphasized.
‘’Sporting event like this brings a lot of advantages like exposing them to Importance of Team works, create a sense of belonging, leadership traits, and discovery of talents’’.
