The Ogun State Commissioner for Sport Development, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, has emphasized the importance of encouraging sporting activities in schools across the state as a key strategy for discovering and nurturing new talents for local, national, and international competitions.
He made these remarks during the 60th Founder’s Day and Inter-House Sports event at Remo Divisional High School (RDHS), Sagamu, which was part of a series of activities marking the 60th anniversary of the school.
Hon. Isiaka noted that the state government’s focus on school sports is designed to identify and develop young athletes who could potentially represent the state and country at higher levels of competition.
He cited the achievements of notable athletes like Falilat Ogunkoya and Tobi Amusan as examples of the kind of talent the state aims to produce.
According to the Commissioner, the goal is to create an environment where young athletes can flourish, ensuring that Ogun State remains a leading force in Nigerian sports.
During his speech, Hon. Isiaka also highlighted the significance of Ogun State’s role in hosting the National Sports Festival, stating that this event was an opportunity to promote sports development across all levels, from the grassroots to the elite level.
He further stressed that, the state government, under the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun, is committed to investing in modern sporting facilities that will provide opportunities for both budding and experienced athletes to hone their skills and achieve excellence in their respective sports.
“Our aim is not just to discover new talents but to utilise them effectively,” Hon. Isiaka remarked. He emphasized that the state’s sports initiatives are not limited to talent discovery alone but also focused on maximizing the potential of these athletes through appropriate training and exposure.
Hon. Isiaka also expressed his gratitude to the Old Students of RDHS for their continued support of the state’s educational and sporting initiatives, commending them for their involvement in the school’s 60th anniversary celebrations and their contributions to the development of sports in the community.
The support of the Old Students aligns with the state government’s “adopt a school” initiative, which aims to foster stronger partnerships between schools and communities to enhance educational and extracurricular programs.
Dr. Ronke Soyombo, an Old Student of RDHS and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, gave a speech highlighting the importance of sporting events like the Inter-House Sports in instilling the spirit of sportsmanship in students.
She emphasized that by fostering these values, the students are prepared to become responsible, disciplined, and successful individuals who can serve as ambassadors for their communities and the nation in the future.
Dr. Soyombo also praised the teachers at RDHS for their role in shaping the lives of young students and helping them realize their potential, both in academics and in sports. She expressed her appreciation for the Old Students of RDHS, who have consistently supported the school, showing their commitment to giving back and making a positive impact on the next generation.
In his welcome address, Mr. Biodun Awosanya, the President General of the RDHS Old Students’ Association, reaffirmed the passion of the alumni in producing responsible leaders for the future.
He stated that one of the key ways to achieve this goal is by encouraging and supporting sporting activities that promote discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills among students. He acknowledged the collaboration with the state government as a significant step towards realizing these objectives.
Mr. Mofopefoluwa Joseph, a member of the Board of Trustees of the RDHS Old Students’ Association, also expressed his gratitude for the ongoing activities of the alumni.
He reflected on the progress made so far and pledged to continue supporting student-oriented programs that will help nurture well-rounded individuals with the right mindset for future success and emphasized that the Old Students’ commitment to the school’s growth is unwavering.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of trophies to the Pink House, the winner of the Inter-House Sports competition.
The ceremony was an opportunity to celebrate the athletes’ hard work and sportsmanship, showcasing the talent and competitive spirit nurtured within the school.
The event not only provided a platform for students to display their athletic abilities but also reinforced the importance of sports in building character and teamwork.
All in alll, the 2025 Inter-House Sports event at RDHS was a testament to the school’s dedication to promoting sports and education.
It also demonstrated the strong collaboration between the school, the government, and the alumni, all working together to provide a solid foundation for the students’ future success, both in sports and in life.
The event underscored the vision of the Ogun State government to identify and nurture young talents, ensuring that they have the resources and support needed to excel on the national and international stage.
As the event concluded, there was a shared sense of pride in the achievements of the students and a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to continue supporting the development of sports and education in Ogun State.
The ongoing collaboration between the government, schools, and alumni groups promises to yield positive results in the years to come, contributing to the growth of both individual athletes and the state’s sports sector.
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