Abiodun Atiba Memorial Institute in Oyo hosted its 42nd Inter-House Sports and Athletics Competition on Tuesday, where Yellow House sponsored by Alhaji Tunde Tijani also known as TJ Babs showcased outstanding performance, particularly in the match past event.
The competition which drew a large attendance from various stakeholders in the education sector and sports community was held at the school premises.
During his opening speech, the principal, Mr. Rasaq Oyekunle Raheem, highlighted the rich history of the event, tracing its origins back to 1972 under the stewardship of the Late Chief Emmanuel Oyedele Asamy.
Mr. Raheem also noted the expansion of the school’s house system, particularly the acquisition of new houses by philanthropic individuals such as Alhaji Tunde Tijani, owner of TJ Babs House and others.
Speaking with our correspondent in a chat, Alhaji Tijani explained why he sponsored a house in the school competition.
He said: “Abiodun Atiba Memorial Institute, Oyo, my Alma mater, is a cherished institution where my dreams took flight, and my passions were nurtured. It is a place that holds a special corner in my heart, a sanctuary of knowledge and growth.
“As I journey through life, the memories and wisdom imparted by my alma mater stay etched in my mind forever. It is a way of giving back to the great school that provided me with a solid foundation upon which I stand strongly for humble accomplishments thus far achieved in the last 50 years of my life.
“In addition to the house named after me, I have spent millions of Naira for renovation of a block of 6 classrooms with 120 units of state of arts of Desks and tables, renovation and rehabilitation of School mosques, and borehole as my humble ways of giving back to my great Alma mater.”
Lawal Animashun, Permanent Secretary of TESCOM, Oyo Zonal Office, praised the school for prioritizing sports development within its curriculum. He emphasized its role in talent cultivation and student well-being.
“We have to thank God the school gives room for this development of sport. Sport development is part of the curriculum, and it has been a means of developing the level.” He said.
Bola Tijani who represented Alhaji Tunde Tijani at the event, expressed pride in Yellow House’s accomplishments. She highlighted TJ Babs’ deep connection to the school and his eagerness to contribute further to its success.
“I am delighted to see TJ Babs House shine on this platform. Their victory in the match past is an evidence to their commitment and teamwork,” Tijani said.
The competition also included donations to the school. Alhaji Tunde Tijani, known as TJ Babs and owner of Yellow House, made a generous contribution by donating a table tennis slate and accessories, two javelins, two shot puts as well as one discus to the school.
During the match past, TJ Babs (Yellow House) secured the top position with 64 points, followed by School House (Green House) in second place with 53 points. Raji Owonikoko House (White House) claimed third place with 51 points, while Adeyemi House (Blue House) took fourth place with 50 points. Ladigbolu House (Purple House) and Asamu House (Pink House) followed closely, securing fifth and sixth positions respectively with scores of 48 and 47 points.
In the overall standings, Raji Owonikoko House (White House) emerged as the winner with a total score of 373 points, with (School House) Green House in second position with 310 points. Adeyemi House (Blue House) secured third position with 306 points, while Asamu House (Pink House) claimed fourth position with 305 points. TJ Babs House (Yellow House) secured fifth position with 251 points while Ladigbolu House (Purple House) concluded the standings with 224 points.
