Principal of the school, Mrs Ajayi E.F, delivering her address
By Ejiro Nesisa
It was day of joy for the management, staff, students of Ighogbadu Secondary School Warri. in Warri South Local Government area, Delta State as they organised thier 4th interhouse sports competition.The programme which drew the attention of the community as they gathered to watch the aesthetic event, was attended by people from all walks of life including renowned Chiefs: Chief Spencer Oki( D’Odo of Okere-Urhobo Kingdom, and Chief Engr. Peter Ughor (JP) (D’Omotor of Okere-Urhobo Kingdom who represented His Royal Majesty,Orosuen of Okere-Urhobo kingdom, Warri,
In her address, the Principal of the school, Mrs Ajayi E.F, said sports are essential part of the school curricular activities which provide for the physical well- being of the students. According to her, sports also help to build the intellectual ability of the students as they help in talent discovery which enable some of the students to take up a career in sports.
Her words:” It is my pleasure to welcome you to this great annual event – the 4th annual interhouse sports competition of our school. Sports as essential part of school curricular activities provide for the physical well being of the students…”
Principal of the school, Mrs Ajayi E.F,(middle) flanked by Chiefs from Okere-Urhubo Kingdom
According to education expert, it is only sports Nigerians speak with one voice. She said, based on the importance of sports and popular demand, the school included football in the competition which was concluded earlier in the week with Yellow House emerging first.
Mrs Ajayi said, the presence of the parents, the Chiefs and the entire community for the day was a pointer that they were interested in all round development of their children and ward and enjoined them to watch the children as they display their talents and skills in the competition with their mates among the various houses.
She therefore charged the students to put in their best just as she urged them to accept honourably the outcome of the various events in the spirit of good sportsmanship as there was no way athletes and houses could perform equally just as she wished athletes and houses success in the event.
Her words:” To my students, l encourage you to put in your best and except the outcome of the various events in the spirit of good sportsmanship as athletes and houses will not perform equally”.
On the growth of the school so far, the energetic and versatile Principal said, by the grace of God, the school has grown in terms of population over the years ascribing this phenomenon to increase in students’ enrolment saying, this has given accommodation challenges to the school.
She therefore used the medium to appeal to his Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori the Executive Governor of Delta State through the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education to help salvage the situation by providing another structure (building) to ease students’ accommodation challenges.
The winner house – Yellow representative being presented a trophy
According to her, with these years of the school’s existence, the students have performed excellently in both internal and external examinations in various classes attributing this to combined efforts of the formidable staff of school who work tired tirelessly with her to achieve this feat just as she said the school would continue to keep the flag flying in this direction.
Mrs Ajayi used the medium to appreciate the following persons for their support of the school in one way or other over the years. They include:Dr Michael Tidi, Chairman, Warri South Local Government Area Delta State, Hon. Divine Iniovosa, Vice Chairman, Warri South Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty, Orosuen of Okere-Urhobo Kingdom, the Otota of Okere Urhobo Kingdom, Gen. Gold, Mr Pascal Uviovo, and his team of footballers, among others and wished them God’s blessings.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the occasion, Mbanusi Rodney Freeborn said parents should support their children in sports as, apart from the fact that sports enhance their academic performance, they can make career in that direction. According to him, sports also develop their well- being- making them physically fit.
The interhouse sports which featured four houses namely: Red,Yellow,Green , Blue where students participated in both field and track events including lime race saw Yellow House emerging 1st, Red House,2nd and Blue House 3rd. The high point was the presentation of trophy to winners amidst jubilation.