The Principal of Uwangue College, Mrs Udi N. Antonia delivering her address
By Samuel Ogude
It was an atmosphere of joy as Uwangue College, Warri in Warri South Local Government Area Delta State organised her 20th Annual interhouse sports competition. The programme which took place recently at the school premises was unique in its respect.
In her address, the Principal of the school, Mrs Udi N. Antonia said the event is not about competition but a celebration of sportsmanship and spirit of healthy competition. According to her, the gathering of the students is not just for purpose of competition but as the ambassadors of their various houses, representing the value of teamwork, dedication and perseverance. She said education of learners is not restricted to classrooms but engaging them in extracurricular activities such as sports makes them more active in the academic process. According to her, through sports at this level, they can be better persons in future.
White House’s representative, the overall winner being presented a trophy by the Chairman of the occasion, Rev. Justin Okoroji Jnr, PhD,
She said:”Many people have made it in life through sports, hence it is good for students to engage in sports competition to develop their talents”.
She therefore wished all the participants her heart -felt congratulations in their selection to represent their various houses in the event.
Mrs Udi charged parents to always encourage their children (wards) to engage in sports by supporting them financially as many of them (students) complained of lack of support by their parents.
She said:” Parents should always support their children by giving them money to purchase sports wears in order for them to participate in sporting activities, this is very important”.
While thanking the parents and other well meaning Nigerians for their financial and moral support, she appealed to them to continue with this great job as the school is poised to do its best to bring up the children to be good ambassadors of their various families, the state and the country at large.
She said:” Let me enjoin you not to relent towards that great support you have always given to this great and wonderful school and we promise that as you do this, we will do our utmost best to bring up your children to become great and wonderful people in the society and the country at large”
The Principal thanked the representative of Director, Post Primary Education Board, Zonal office, Mrs Akinsola Jenny, the immediate past Principal of the school, Alex Oniovosa, Principals of various schools and parents to have created time to grace the occasion.
Mrs Udi also thanked the following persons for their support of the school so far. They include the Hon. Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs Rose Ezewu, the Permanent Secretary,Post Primary Education Board, Delta- South Senatorial District, Dr (Mrs) A..A.Ejedimu, Chief Inspector of Education, Warri South, Dr Samson Ugbejeh, who was represented by Mr Oladele A.J, ANCOPS Warri South Chapter, Chairman, PTA, Mr Okotor Eniye, old students of the school, among others.
The Principal, Mrs Udi N. Antonia (L-R, 5th, White Wears) flanked by Colleagues & well wishers
Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the occasion, Rev. Justin Okoroji Jnr, PhD, Pastor, First Baptist Church,Warri and member, Delta State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, said since sporting activities are important in the life the students, the school needed to be equipped with necessary facilities to further strengthen sports in school. According to him, it obvious that the school main field would have been flooded which would hampered the programme if it were organized in raining season. He therefore appealed to the State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori through all the supervisory ministries and spirited individuals to help make the school to be more conducive for both academic and extra curricular activities such as sports.
He said:” We know that Delta State Governor Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori is a listening one, l appealed to him and other supervisory ministries, well meaning Nigerians and teachers to join hands to make Uwangue College more befitting for academic and sporting activities“
He thanked the School Management, Principal and Staff for piloting the affairs of the school which has made it grow to the level it is now and urged them to keep the flag flying in this direction.
The interhouse sports competition which featured six houses namely: Red, Yellow, Blue, Green, Purple and White where participants engaged in both field and track events saw White House take 1st Position with 139 points, Green House, 2nd with 134 points while Yellow House 3rd position with 117 points.
The high point of occasion was the presentation of trophies to the winners amidst cheers.