By Babatunde Ayedoju & Faith Adeosun

The Principal of Fiwasaiye Girls’ Grammar School, Akure, Mrs. Omolola Ojoge, has admonished students to always showcase their talents, stating that everyone has inbuilt potential.

Mrs. Ojoge made this statement while speaking with The Hope during the school’s inter-house sports event on Tuesday.

The principal emphasised that she has been able to maintain a healthy balance between sports and academics for the students of her school, saying, “We have a timetable that spells out when to do sports and when to study.

“Sports are about interest and passion. Our girls who are interested in sports come to school early to train, then commence academic work and resume their training later in the day.”

Mrs. Ojoge described the inter-house sports competition as an occasion to celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship, teamwork, and excellence that defines the school.

While disclosing that her vision has always been to promote holistic education—where students excel not only in academics but also in co-curricular activities—the principal added that she aims to provide a nurturing environment that fosters growth, creativity, and character development.

She said, “I am proud to say that our students have consistently demonstrated excellence in public competitions, showcasing their intellectual prowess and creative talents. Our volleyball team has been making waves, and we are proud of their achievements. Our athletes have also excelled, demonstrating remarkable strength, dedication, and perseverance. These accomplishments are notable proofs of the hard work and commitment of our students, teachers, and coaches.

“I am thrilled to announce that our 3-in-1 sports court is nearing completion. This state-of-the-art facility will further enhance our students’ athletic experiences and provide a platform for them to showcase their talents.”

While expressing gratitude to the various house matrons who have worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the programme, she urged all stakeholders to continue supporting the school in its quest for excellence.

The Zonal Education Officer of Akure South Local Government, Mrs. G. O. Ilori, reiterated that the educational development of students is incomplete without sporting activities, adding that inter-house sports serve as an avenue to discover talents among students.

The Chairman of the occasion, Engineer Godwin Adeokan, represented by his wife, Mrs. I. O. Adeokan, stressed that sports help to develop the mental and physical health of children, adding that it enhances their communication and collaborative skills effectively.

The Chairperson of the occasion, who is also the President of the Ondo State branch of the Fiwasaiye Old Girls Association, Chief (Mrs. ) Kolawole Kosemani, while declaring the event open, thanked the staff for their love and support for the principal and expressed her best wishes to the students in all their endeavours.

While emphasising the importance of extra-curricular activities in the overall development of students, Kosemani admonished the participants to put in their best, noting that the joy lies more in participating than in winning.

At the end of the competition, Blue House won the march-past, alongside the junior and senior relay races. It also emerged as second runner-up in the overall contest, while Purple House and Yellow House emerged as runner-up and winner respectively.

In the invitation category of the female relay race, Ijapo High School emerged second runner-up, Akure Commercial Secondary School as runner-up, and Ejioba High School, Oba-Ile, as winner. In the male category, Aquinas College was second runner-up, Oyemekun Grammar School runner-up, and St. Michael’s Catholic High School winner.

The matron of Yellow House, who is also an alumnus of the school, Itote Joy, expressed her excitement over the exceptional performance of her house, winning the competition for two consecutive years.

She admonished students to maximise every opportunity provided by the school

She admonished students of the school to maximise every opportunity provided for them by the school, saying that whatever values the school instills in them will work for them later in life.

Captain of Yellow House, Gift Udeze, expressed her joy over the victory of her team at the interhouse sports.

Udeze, who won silver medal at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu South West Games and also participated at the Niger Delta Sports Festival earlier in the year, attributed the exceptional performance of her house to adequate training.