The Proprietor of Ferscoat International School, Lagos, Pastor Felix Ebenezer Opata, has called on the Lagos State Government to channel more attention and investment into school sports, emphasizing its potential to reshape the nation’s future and promote unity among young Nigerians.
Opata made the call during the maiden edition of the school’s biannual Inter-School Sports Competition held on Friday, May 16, at the Prince Alade Mini Stadium in Command, Lagos. The keenly contested event featured Ferscoat and several neighboring schools including Roshalom, Nightingale, Cerulean, Cedar, and Cacatin, all competing in a range of sporting events.
Speaking to journalists at the event, Pastor Opata highlighted the vital role sports play in shaping young minds, urging both public and private educational institutions to integrate sports more actively into their academic curricula.
“It gives me great joy to welcome everyone to the finals of this competition. As we celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship, fellowship, and excellence, I’m reminded of Nelson Mandela’s words — that sports have the power to change the world, inspire, and unite people like little else can,” Opata said.
“I appeal to the Lagos State Government to pay more attention to school sports. It is an essential platform for discovering talent and building unity. I also encourage private schools to do more in incorporating sports into their curriculum.”
When I was younger, I learnt most sports in school, but sadly that is no longer the case,” he added.
According to him, sports go beyond physical activity and competition, serving as a life metaphor that instills critical values such as discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and respect.
The competition ended with host school Ferscoat emerging overall champions, amassing 5 gold, 3 silver, and 3 bronze medals. Nightingale Academy followed closely in second place with 4 gold, 5 silver, and 2 bronze medals, while Roshalom clinched third place with 4 gold, 1 silver, and 5 bronze medals.
The sporting fiesta featured a variety of events including 100m, 200m, 400m races, sack race, tug of war, and relay. The event climaxed with a thrilling football final, where Nightingale Academy edged Cerulean Academy 1-0 to lift the football trophy.