By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON, Kaduna.
For taking a bold step in committing resources into the development of sports at the grassroots, the Kaduna State Government has commended Gray’s International College, Kaduna.
The commendation was made by the Commissioner of Education, Science and Technology, Professor Jonathan Nok at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium during the ongoing 2016 edition of the Late Philip Adegbile Memorial Inter Secondary Schools Football Championship.
According to him, the state government was highly impressed with the organizers, while calling on others to emulate same.
“On behalf of the commissioner, I want to express our gratitude to the organizers for keying into part of our plans. There can be no good education without sports. It is a welcome development,” Professor Nok, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Schools in the ministry, Aliyu Idris said.
He explained that the state government has done much in terms of sports development in view of its importance to the development of the society.
“In view of the importance of sports, many organizations are partnering with us, this is one of them. When their letter came to the ministry, the commissioner gave them express approval to go ahead with the competition because besides promoting mental and physical health, sports also enhance unity,” he added.
He assured that government will support the competition from the beginning to the final.
“I want to advice our students that as much as they pursue education, they should not neglect sports because of its potentials of ensuring source of livelihood and taking them to international limelight,” he emphasized.
Twenty-eight teams are participating at the Kaduna center, featuring Sabon Tasha, Rigachikun and Kasduna metropolis zones.
Other centres that are hosting matches are Zaria and Kafanchan.
Late Philip Adegbile was the founder of Gray’s International College, sponsors of the competition which is being organized by the Youths Sports Federation (YSFON).
