Sports as a Weapon for Economic Growth: Social Vices Best Tackled in Schools and Homes As InterGuide Academy Holds Maiden Inter-House Sports
The rise in social vices currently plaguing the nation can best be addressed within schools and homes. This was the view expressed by Dr. Gbenga Olowo, Group Chairman of InterGuide Group, during the Academy’s maiden inter-house sports event held at Agege Stadium, Lagos.
Dr. Olowo, an international aviator who also served as the chairman of the occasion, stated, “Parents have a role to play, and schools also have a responsibility. School discipline must be revisited. There is no beauty in a child without discipline.”
The event kicked off with a march past, showcasing the four major houses. The Red House delivered a special presentation, clinching an impressive gold medal, while the Yellow House secured second place. The competition underscored the significant role children and youths play in society. This is why it’s crucial to engage them in various sporting activities alongside their academics as they grow.
As the special guest of honor, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda, represented by her SA on Legislative Matters and Administration, commended the performances of all the sports houses. She highlighted that school sports is a key element of youth development and character building, which ultimately enhances the credibility of any progressive society. “To grow, it is crucial that we embrace, support, and develop school sports. Only then can we have renewed hope for sustainability in socio-economic development,” she said.
On the day of the event, Red House (Grace Adegboyega House) emerged victorious, lifting the Golden Trophy. Yellow House (Dcns Stella Olowo House) took second place, Green House (School House) secured third, and Blue House (Dr. Gbenga Olowo House) finished fourth. Dr. Olowo urged the government to encourage sports development through school inter-house sports and inter-company games.
Vice Chairman of InterGuide Group, Dcns Stella Olowo, reflecting on her school days when she was active in sprints and jumps, urged participants to embrace fair competition and good conduct. “Good values and discipline are key elements of success. They determine the level of greatness one can achieve in the future,” she noted.
Royal guest of the day, the Queen of Yaba-Iwaya-Kingdom, Lagos, Olori Rebecca Temitope Oloko, a Paris-based women’s advocate, expressed that her passion for children’s welfare motivated her to attend the event. “As a lover of children, today’s event means a lot to me. I’m already thinking about schools I will engage with to replicate such initiatives, as they will help children explore different sports and find where they excel.”
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Lagos Chapter, and UN Peace Ambassador of Nigeria, Olatutu Oladunni, commended InterGuide Academy for the initiative, stressing that it serves as a way to identify and groom talent, which in turn strengthens social development, tourism, and cultural values. “Sports is one of the key factors that boost economic growth and bilateral cooperation. It also contributes to effective foreign relations that influence economic policies across nations. The power of sports can never be underestimated,” she said. She also thanked corporate sponsors like Promasidor (TWISCO chocolate drink) for their significant contributions to the event and urged corporate institutions to engage in more productive collaborations with schools and youth organizations to support developmental growth.
Air Vice Marshal Segun Philip (Rtd) emphasized the importance of adopting sports in all schools, stating, “Sports teach discipline, perseverance, and commitment. These values help children develop the right mindset.”
Similarly, Vice President of Sabre, Engr. Allen Awosikunde, remarked that sports is the only activity that teaches teamwork. “In the classroom, teamwork may be seen as cheating, but in sports and business, it’s key. Teamwork is the future of any successful business. So, we should encourage more sports, as it teaches teamwork,” he said.
The Principal of the Elementary School, Mrs. Blessing Kukoyi, expressed her gratitude to the parents, pupils, and teachers for their impressive cooperation and contributions toward the success of the event. She was particularly amazed by the students’ performance and the strong turnout of parents supporting their children. She also commended the corporate sponsors, including Promasidor (TWISCO chocolate drink), Golfview Hotel and Suites, and Sabre, for their support. “School sports is one of the major areas to invest in, as children are the leaders of tomorrow,” she added.
