By Samuel Ogude(Warri)
The Principal of Essi College II , Warri in Warri South Local Government Area of the State, Mrs. Carol Eghwere-Ebbah said, sporting activities enhance the physical well-being of the students just as they help in bringing out some potentials in them. Mrs. Eghwere-Ebbah stated this at the school’s Inter-house sport competition which was organized by the school in the school premises over the weekend.
According to her, as the adage says, “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”, hence the school has to put the programme together to enable the students to relax their brains as it would further make them(students) refresh and perform well academically on resumptions of school after the weekend. She said, the children are directed through sports in their early part of life so that they can do better in future.
She said:” Games as essential part of school’s curricular activities provide for the physical well-being of the students”.
While appreciating Essi College Old Students’ Association (ECOSA) Warri branch headed by Dr. Mrs Abidde Abibetu as a Chairperson to have assisted the school in the provision of students’ chairs, she appealed for more assistance saying, God would always make them do more for the school.
The Principal used the opportunity to appeal for special financial assistance to carry out the vision of establishing science laboratories namely Biology, Physics and Chemistry saying, through the PTA’s benevolence, the sum of N1000 science levy has been approved adding that, because of the cash crunch, the payment of the money has not been encouraging.
She therefore appealed those who are in love with sound education to come to the school’s aid in this regard. She also appealed for the refurbishing of the school’s ICT laboratory to give room for effective teaching and learning of computer science in school.
She said:”On this graceful note, I sincerely wish to appeal for special financial assistance to implement a powerful vision of establishing science laboratory in the school”.
On the challenges the school faced in organizing the programme, she said, it was not easy as the major challenge was the finance but gave thanks to God that made it possible and the clement weather which made the programme a huge success.
She said:”We give sincere thanks to God Almighty who made it possible for us to have been able to hold the programme despite the cash crunch in the country at present, thanks to God for Supreme Court to have extended the use of old naira notes that made cash to flow in the country in few these days as compared to some weeks back”.
She therefore expressed thanks the Chairman of the occasion, Mr. David Ukueyinde Olowo, the President General of Ugbo-Maru Community who was ably represented by Comrade Ejoh Dimas, former Principal of Dore Numa College, Warri and Chairman of Delta State Football Referee Council, Asaba, Mrs Obiegba H.N.,the Chief Inspector of Education(CIE), Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Warri South represented by Amiriode(H.O.D, Sports), Evangelist Mrs. Onorien Arawore, Director, Post Primary Education Board (P.P.E.B) Zonal Office, Warri, who was represented by Okirhienyefa C., distinguished Parents, among others
In separate interviews, Comrade Ejoh Dimas, Chief Alfred Okpe, the Chairman of Parents -Teachers’ Association of the school, and Okirhienyefa C. said, the talents of students can be discovered and harnessed when they are involved in sporting activities and therefore advised parents to encourage their children in sports by providing the necessary materials for them as many of them can bring glory to their family in particular and the country at large through sports in the nearest future.
Present, in the occasion were Comrade Henry Mukoro, Treasurer, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Warri South, among others.
The programme which showcased both field and track events saw Yellow House emerging the overall winner (1st Position) with 248.6 points; Green House, 236 points as 2nd position; while White House scored 222 points to occupy 3rd position. The high-point of the programme was the presentation of prizes to the winners amidst jubilation.