By Samuel Ogude & Patricia Major
The Provost, College of Education, Warri, Delta State, Dr. Dickson Oyovwi said sporting activities generally especially, football are veritable tools for development of humanity both physically and mentally. Dr. Oyovwi stated this yesterday, Thursday, when commenting on the football match played between the institution’s Alumni and Staff of the College as part of the activities marking the preparation for the 20th Convocation of the college to be held on Saturday.
According to him, when one engages in sports, apart from the physical wellbeing, one becomes mentally alert. He expressed happiness for the match between the institution’s Alumni and the Staff saying, the football contest shows that, there is a cordial relation between the two bodies just as he urged them to continue in this regard.
He said:” I am very happy for this exercise, it shows, there is a cordial relationship between the Staff and the Alumni of the College and I urged them to keep the flag flying in this direction.” According to him, apart the relationship, it has helped the both parties to shake their body after all, many of them have not played football for a very long time saying, he was sure they will feel physically better than how they used to be, because, they have burnt some calories.
He said:”I am sure today, the players have burnt some calories for engaging in this exercise which I supposed, they have not done for a long time”. He expressed gratitude for the Alumni who won the match saying, their efforts in the football paid off just as he thanked the Staff team who lost saying, there is always a next time. He said, when next they would play, they could win.
Speaking at the conclusion of the football match, the Chairman of the Institution’s Governing Council, Chief V.O.T. Abanum congratulated both teams for the display of sportsmanship and co-operation saying, it shows that the Management of the school which is headed by Dr. Dickson Oyovwi is living up to expectations as he is able to unite the people.
According to him, apart from the football match for the day, mere looking at the school’s environment, nobody needs a soothsayer to know that the School Management is working. He therefore charged the Institution’s Management to continue do what they work best in order to promote academic excellence. While thanking the winner of the match for their doggedness which led to their victory, he encouraged them to continue to fly the flag in this direction.
The Chairman of the Governing Council also thanked the losers for their efforts in the game saying, there is always a next time. He said:” I congratulate the winner of this football match and I also congratulate the losers. Both of you tried but you know, there must be a winner. That you lost today doesn’t mean, you cannot win another time. Once again,congratulation!”
The football match between Alumni and the Staff of the school which was played, ended goalless, but because there must be a winner, through penalty, Alumni defeated Staff with one goal amidst jubilation. The highpoint of the football match was the presenting of the trophy to the captain of the Alumni, Comrade Israel Joe amidst jubilation.