Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, has reiterated the Prince Dapo Abiodun administration’s commitment to holistic educational system through sports philosophy of resilience, discipline and teamwork, as well as inculcate the need to combine sports with education in the minds of learners, thereby encouraging diversification of knowledge and skills.

Speaking in Abeokuta during the Press Conference on 2024 Sports Festival for Secondary School Students, organised by the state government, in conjunction with 5 Mediacom Nigeria Limited, Prof. Arigbabu, described sports as essential to the psycho-motor development of learners.

          He explained that the competition would host over 1,000 learners-athletes, competing in more than 10 different sports disciplines in the state, saying each stage would be an opportunity to showcase skills, sportsmanship and sheer joy of participation.

          "This programme aimed at providing enhanced training and academic resources for our learners-athletes; ensuring they have the support needed to excel both in sports and their studies. The winners will have the opportunity of scholarships in three Nigeria universities", he said.

The Commissioner commended 5 MediaCom Nigeria Limited for supporting government in developing future generations through sports and education, adding that the initiative “exemplified the good spirit that enriches educational environment and provides opportunities for learners to shine”.

Underscoring the purpose of the event, the Chief Executive Officer, 5 MediaCom Nigeria Limited, Mr. Alex Okonkwo, explained that the theme of the event, "Play Fair and Enjoy Competition", was carefully chosen with idea that the students-athletes would participate, make contact, create more network, discuss with their peers, have fun, enjoy the competition and win laurels, thereby raising future stars, who would combine education with sports.

Also speaking, the Commandant, Nigeria Drug Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ogun State Command, Mrs. Ibiba Odili, stated that the sporting event would be an avenue to enlighten the youths on drug abuse, adding that the importance of sports events cannot be overemphasised, as it reduces risk factors associated with drugs abuse and other risky behaviours among young ones, while developing their brains and help them to multi task and be disciplined. 

In their separate remarks, the President of All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Mr. Adeniyi Adekoya and the Director of School Sports, Mr. Olarotimi Okeleye, noted that engaging students in sports would bring positive changes in their attitudes, appreciating the government for bringing back sports activities in schools across the state.