LAGOS – Bashir Agunloye, the spokesman for Lagos State Sports Council (LSSC), on Thursday observed that the state’s Sports Festival, “Ibile Games,’’ had further developed the bearing of students.
Agunloye made the assertion in interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the Lagos State Sports Council Complex, Rowe Park, one of the venues for the ongoing Games.
According to Agunloye, the popularity of the Games has made it significant to the physical, psychological and mental development of the participating students.
The spokesman said that over 160 public and private schools actively participated in the Games scheduled to end on May 11.
“The Games have become an integral part of the Lagos State’s educational development strategy of its secondary school students.
“The success of the 2014 Ibile Games is hinged on the number of schools that participated.
“We made frantic effort this time around to have more private schools to participate in this event, he told NAN.
“Its success so far is also because of the effective management, organisation and monitoring of our different sports as organised.
“Emphasis to decentralise the venues for the Games is also to be able to reach out to all the corners of the state.
“It is also to get more of our students to experience a sport festival culture.’’
Agunloye appealed to the journalists covering the Games to report the events in such a way that Lagos residents would come to appreciate the import of the Games on their wards.
“Accurate reportage of the activities that are happening here will go a long way to assist this state integrate these Games into its education curriculum.
“The media also has it as a responsibility to inform the public in such manner that the state’s advancement is the core goal to be achieved,’’ he said.
On the medals table as at Thursday, Lagos Island is leading with 84 gold, 40 silver and 37 bronze medals.
Ojo and Surulere Local Governments are jointly following with 11 gold, 15 silver and 20 bronze medals each.
Iru Victoria Island is in fourth position with seven gold, 16 silver and 19 bronze medals.
Agboyi Ketu LCDA is in fifth position with seven gold, 13 silver and 10 bronze medals, while Itire Ikate is coming sixth with six gold, six silver and 18 bronze medals.
Ibeju Lekki and Oriade Local Governments Areas have six gold, nine silver and nine bronze medals each. (NAN)
