By Sumaila Ogbaje
Schools have been urged to deliberately use sports as a tool for promoting discipline, unity and leadership development among students.
The call was made by Brig.-Gen. Ogheneyerowo Onovwiona, Director of the Leadership Development Institute, Nigerian Army Resource Centre, at the 17th Inter-House Sports Competition of Command Day Secondary School Lungi Barracks Abuja.
Onovwiona said sporting activities instilled essential values such as perseverance, teamwork, respect for rules and self-discipline, which were critical to character formation and national development.
According to him, early exposure to sports helps young people build endurance and focus, adding that such qualities often translate into excellence in academics and leadership later in life.
He commended the school’s management for the organisation of the event, describing the turnout, coordination and students’ enthusiasm as impressive.
The army general encouraged students to always give their best both in sports and academics, stressing that discipline and good character were the hallmarks of future leaders.
Earlier, the Commandant of the school, Oghereovie Akisa, said the competition was organised to promote physical fitness, unity and values consistent with the core principles of the Nigerian Army and the school’s educational mission.
Akisa said sports played a vital role in shaping students’ character, noting that it taught discipline, leadership, perseverance and sportsmanship.
“True victory is not only about winning medals but about competing with integrity and respect for others,” he said.
The competition featured track and field events, novelty races and colourful house displays that attracted parents, invited guests and members of the school community. (NAN)
