Advocates stronger synergy between Education and Sports
Nsikak Akpan
The Deputy Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and Member Representing Itu State Constituency, Rt. Hon. KufreAbasi Edidem has charged every facet of Government on the need to be intentional about developing stars by providing enabling environment for upcoming talents to rise and lift Nigeria and Africa to the peak of Sports, adding that intentional efforts can produce good results.
Hon. Edidem who gave the charge during a courtesy visit on him by the American Flag Off Football Team (Season 3),Students from Community Secondary School, Ibiaku Itam,on February 12, 2025 at the Conference Room of the Assembly, celebrated the athletes for their outstanding performances and awards,adding that he will always celebrate emerging Stars and the power of vision and Strength.
The Itu Lawmaker stated that he will keep celebrating those who lay structures for development for upcoming Stars to emerge and expressed joy, saying that there is no father who receives news of excellent performances of his children that does not demonstrate excitement and pride.
He reiterated the need to develop sports from the foundation which is from Primary and Secondary Schools and added that no one should celebrate success that is a fluke.
He admonished the athletes to hold their heads high as they have become super stars, new models and ambassadors of the school.
He urged them to emulate good character, hardwork and resilience to the rest of the students and shun cultism that will hinder their future.
He commended the Nigeria Cricket Federation, especially the President, Uyi Akpata for bringing new sports to Nigeria and for his passion to develop new talents to emerge as stars.
He also commended the Coaching crew for the sleepless nights, reprimands, rigours of training to ensure that they top the chart in the competition and for reviving the spirit of Cricket in Akwa Ibom State.
He commended the Ministry of Education and the State Secondary Education Board for a job well done in education development in the State and appealed that education should be matched with sports in the education system.
He thanked the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno for bringing the ARISE Agenda which includes the development of young talents in the State and support emerging stars in various fields of endeavours.
Speaking earlier, the State Director of School Sports and Representative of the Chairman, State Secondary Education Board, Pst. Emmanuel Ebong, commended Community Secondary School, Ibiaku Itam for producing eligible athletes who could compete favourably at the State and National Levels emerging winners in both male and female categories and stated that Schools sports does a lot for children.
"We engage them positively so that they do not engage themselves negatively in social vices. We bring out their exertive energy to a productive outcome to become good citizens of Nigeria" he explained.
Director Ebong noted that the school made the State proud and was fast becoming a Hub of school sports in the State topping the chart in almost all the competitions adding that they need encouragement to develop talents that can represent the State and win Gold medal for the State.
He appreciated the Deputy Speaker for hosting the team and pledged to continue to discover young talents and train them for excellence.
In his Remarks, the Games Master, Mr. Ifiok Inim informed that Community Secondary School, Ibiaku Itam won both at the State and National levels in the male and female categories.
He commended the Cricket medalist, Inyene Umoh for coming back home with a gold medal in the just concluded Women's World Cup, Under - 19 team.
He announced that the team has started training again to do better and promised to come back with Gold medals in the next competition.
The Captain of the Male American flag off Football Team, Emmanuel Iyakise and the Gold Medalist, Inyene Umoh expressed gratitude to God for emerging world winner and appreciated the Deputy Speaker for all his support so far and pledged to maintain the pace.
Also at the event was the Deputy Director, School Sports, Coaching crew of all categories and Members of Staff, Office of the Deputy Speaker, Members of the Press