By Angela Atabo
Mr Magaji Zachariah, Principal of the Federal Government Boys College, Abuja, has called for the use of sports to promote national unity and peace in Nigeria.
Zachariah made the call during the maiden edition of the school’s inter-house athletics competition, on Saturday in Abuja.
He said the school is determined to provide students with education, social and physical life through sports.
“As a nation you will agree with me that in Nigeria, it is in sports that we speak with one voice.
“Sports is a bonding factor that cannot be wished away. It has a transformative power that unites and inspires people.
“In the just concluded Africa Cup of Nations, the whole country was united as we cheered on our great Super Eagles irrespective of tribe and religion.
“Therefore, it will not be an overstatement to say that it is only sports that Nigerians speak with one voice, “he said.
Zachariah said that the vision of the college is to encourage sporting activities to cash into the various dividends it offers to the students and the nation.
He said that the school has achieved some feats in sporting activities within and outside the Federal Capital.
The principal said it will continue to create platforms for the students to discover and nurture hidden talents.
He said that the school would create room for students to remain active and develop their mental agility.
Zachariah encouraged all participants to give their best to the inter-house sports and embrace the true spirit of sportsmanship.
“Remember success is not measured solely by winning, but by the determination and growth you exhibit throughout the journey.
“So let today’s experience be filled with joy and celebration, regardless of the outcome.
“Sports make us strong and above all teaches us to accept defeat which inspires determination to do better tomorrow,” he said.
He commended the zeal and sacrifice of the teachers, school administrators and parents for the success of the school’s first inter-house sports since its establishment in 2000.
Hajia Binta Abdulkadir, Director Senior Secondary Education Department, CT, said that sports contribute to the development of society.
Abdulkadir said that sports promote healthy living, inculcates the spirit of sportsmanship, and affords individuals the opportunity to show-case hidden talents.
“Sports help to bring people together to foster peace, unity, understanding and international cooperation.
“It helps children, youths and adults alike to develop physical skills apart from exercising and making new friends,” she said.
Abdulkadir reiterated the commitment of the government to addressing the challenges of inadequate sports facilities and lack of equipment.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that young athletes in the school and other invited guests displayed their supremacy in track and field events.
The athletes competed in the name of their houses.
They comprised Independent, National, Republic and Unity houses.
At the conclusion of the competition, Republic House (Yellow) was the overall winner of the competition.
Independence House (Blue) came second while Unity House (Green) came third followed by the National House (Red) in fourth position.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the winner emerged based on the number of events it won. (NAN)
Edited by Joseph Edeh
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