Kwara State government has pledged an improved and ellaborate edition of the Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF) organized Secondary Schools Football Championship, with the introduction of the female edition.
The state Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq made the pledge at the final of the competition held at the Main-Bowl of the Kwara State Stadium Complex, yesterday.
The Governor, who was represented by the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Alhaji Bolakale Adisa Mogaji said that his government made landmark achievements in education reforms and youth development in the state.
According to him, “Sport is part of extra curriculum activities in schools that allowed students to discover their talents and prepare themselves for a better tomorrow, pointing out that bad leadership has made it a thing of the past. This present administration is trying to make us regain our lost glory.”
The State Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu disclosed that part of government’s cardinal responsibilities is to reposition youth to be productive and self reliant for a better tomorrow.
According to her, “Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is a youth and sports friendly Governor that is taking youth development as a priority, that is why he approved the use of the Main-Bowl for the final stage of this year’s competition and also provided financial support to make it successful”.
The Commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Mary Kemi Adeosun further said “this is indeed an eventful and memorable program. As a critical stakeholder in the education sector, I will always embrace the event that will be a mental and physical improvement to our students”.
She, therefore, commended the organizer of the competition for deeming it fit to organize this memorable program that will enhance unity, foster better understanding, and reduce youth restiveness.
In their separate remarks, the President of the Kwara State All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools, Alhaji Toyin Abdullahi, and the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Comrade Umar Abdullahi commended the initiatives of the government for organizing the memorable programme.
According to them, the gesture will go a long way in improving self confidence and eliminating youth unrest in our society.
The competition started with preliminary in Eight zones accord the state. The winners from each zone participated in the final stage. The final match was won by ECWA Secondary School, Igbaja, after beating C&S Secondary School, llorin by a lone goal.
Offa Grammar School, Offa defeated Government Secondary School, Alawon-Oja by 2-1 to win the third place match.
Some of the dignitaries that graced the occasion were, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education, Mrs. Mary Kemi Adeosun, the Executive Chairman Sports Commission, Alhaji Bolakale Adisa Mogaji, Chairman House of Assembly Commission, Hon. Femi Yusuf, Chairman Teaching Service Commission, Alhaji Abubakar Bello, Directors and Principal officers from the Ministry, top government functionaries and others.
