Stunning Femi Onireti-Owode Grams inter-house sports of many firsts – Purple House romps into victory
Femi OGUNLANA
Advertisement
It’s another inspiring tale of vision meeting action, such is case of the 5th annual inter-house sports competition of Owode Community Grammar School, Oke-Owode, Ogbomoso, Oyo state, tagged “Femi Onireti-Owode Grams Sports Meet,” held at the school’s athletic pitch, last Thursday, February 27.
“What was on parade was superb,” a guest told ogbomosoinsightonline.com after the event, “It is full of innovations, different from what we are used to, it is unbeatable.”
Another guest, Mr. Gbola Ladipio, reportedly said, “You have set a high standard that will be difficult to beat, you did well.’
From the organization to the security measures taken to the calibre of guests, those who witnessed it are full of commendations for the school. Students in that axis are known for their penchant for violence and so most people had expected the sports meet would end up in conflagration indeed someone said, “people waited with bated breath to hear news of turmoil but everyone was disappointed, as everything unfolded calmly, kudos to the principal.”
The Permanent Secretary/Inspector General Ministry of Education Ogbomoso zone 1, Dr. Oyedele Oyedokun, speaking through his representative submitted, “I highly commend the school for the orderliness of the event and the security measures taken, all these are well appreciated,” while charging the students to “discover, develop and use their talents in sports.”
Rev’d Peter Olaleye, Coordinating Assistant on Media and Community Relations to the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, told ogbomosoinsightonline.com, “The sport is well organized, I could see meticulous planning.”
The uniqueness of the sports event lies in the series of innovativeness featured: one: it’s the first time a school in Ogbomoso and environs will secure partnership of that nature, what is common is seeking individuals who will donate to the houses; two, the school went out of the way to get the highly efficient Nigeria Police Force band to perform at the event, which added glamour, instead of the school band or regular bands in town; third, the event was streamed live, this is also novel; and the school also showcased its newly bought table tennis in a demonstration game. And on the second day, a mini “Pepsi Party” was held for students to savour the occasion. “All these features are trailblazing and epochal,” concluded a commentator.
The principal of the school, Comrade Dayo Ajala, echoed these during his address, describing the event as “epoch-making,” he said, ”This edition is unique in the sense that a philanthropist, Honourable Femi Onireti volunteered to partner with the parents in organizing the event.”
This is as he commended the Police band, “Additionally, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Nigeria Police Force Band for gracing us with their presence and adding excitement to today’s event.”
Comrade Ajala, who is the state representative of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo state wing, at the national level, also emphasized the importance of sports as a “unified force” noting the sole aim of the competition is to “develop students’ mental and physical alertness and detecting and develop students’ psychomotor skills from scratch.”
Chairman of the occasion, Hon George Ogunlade, chairman of Ogbomoso North local government, urged, through his representative, Hon. Areo Ajibola Oyegoke, “all athletes and students generally to embrace peace, love, unity and spirit of sportsmanhip. Sport is a co-curricular activity.”
Hon. Onireti who was represented by Engr Olalekan Taliat and Hon Adewale Adiatu, also maintained, “Sports has become a powerful force in bringing people together, fostering team work and building character.”
Advertisement
Onireti added, “As you compete and showcase your skills, remember that you are not just athletes but also future leaders of our community. Leadership is not just about winning but encompasses integration, perseverance and ability to inspire others. As you strive for excellence on the field carry those values with you in all aspects of life.”
He maintained, “We are committed to partnering with schools and youths in Ogbomoso and its environs, we will continue to provide opportunities to excel, both academically and athletically, towards building your potentials. I am dedicated to supporting your potentials. Together, we can create a better society, let this be a foundation of hardwork.”
Mrs. Grace Gbemisola Beyioku, Permanent Secretary/Tutor-General, Oyo State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Ogbomoso zone, noted inter-house sports competitions are aimed at giving opportunities to students to explore their sporting talents as “not everyone will end up working with biro and paper. And if an event like this does not occur, there is no way such talents can be discovered,” imploring the students to make the “best use of this opportunity in showcasing their talents and I pray that as they do so, God will help them for their talents to show up so that they will bring glory to Ogbomosoland, they will bring glory to Oyo state and to Nigeria.”
Alaaje of Aaje Ologo, HRH Reuben Adesina Amao JP, a retired Director of Department of State Services (DSS), once again demonstrated his passion for the less-privileged when he donated school uniforms to orphans in the school, while charging the audience “to always care for the orphans and others in that category. It is because I lost my father early, I was written off because my mother had a difficult time bringing me up. Thank God l was able to become a Director in the DSS, that is equivalent of Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG.”
Rev’d Peter Olaleye used the occasion to unveil some educational plan of Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye for the community, which he said is in line with the monarch’s 25 year-development plan. “Kabiyesi has promised to be giving scholarship to students with the best WAEC result from Ogbomoso zone every year to any university of his/her choice, public or private or abroad, while the management of such school will be handsomely rewarded. Also, Kabiyesi has concluded plans to be giving exercise books to students at the beginning of the session to students in Ogbomoso zone as well,” as he thanked everyone “for supporting Kabiyesi.”
Comrade Tojuade Adedoyin, a former chairman of NUT Oyo state wing, against the volatile nature of Owode axis in terms of students’ hooliganism, commended the principal for “his courage in organizing such an event.”
Purple House, the newest in the school, emerged winner of the grueling competition garnering 222 score to lead with a wide margin. Red House took second position with 153 mark while Pink House was third with 149 points. Blue House with 138 points was fourth; Green House notched 129 points to take fifth position and Yellow brought up the rears with 107 points.
In the invited school relay, School of Science, Anglican Grammar School and Attaoheed International College took first, second and third position respectively in the boys’ category while in the girls’ category, Anglican Grammar School, School of Science and Millennium Model Secondary School were first, second and third respectively.
