Lagos- Eight-year-old Angela Osaigbovo, of the Grange Primary School, Ikeja, on Sunday said that she was confident of winning gold medals at the 2015 Lagos Sports Festival, tagged the ‘Ibile Games’.
Osaigbovo, who was unstoppable in several youth competitions in Scrabble and Chess in 2014, won several gold medals for herself and Lagos State in the two events.
She and 18 others were recently honoured by the Lagos State Government Honourable Commissioner, Lagos State Youth, Sports and Social Development, Enitan Oshodi for their outstanding performances in various competitions in 2014.
Osaigbovo told NAN that she was happy to win many laurels for the state and was prepared to do more at the Ibile Games which begins on Monday, Jan. 26.
”I am happy to be honoured by the state government after winning gold medals at the National School Sports Competitions in Ilorin and Oturkpo, as well as at the last Ibile Games.
”I am looking forward to the 2015 games and other competitions and hopefully, I should win gold medals again, as well,’’ she added.
Her mother, Toyin Osaigbovo, described the recognition given to her daughter as a great development for her age and that it will spur her to do more for the state.
She said that she would continue to support her because she was very proud of her achievements.
”She picked interest in the games herself and she loves going for competitions. She was the youngest athlete at the Godswil Akpabio International Sports Classics, held last year.
”In the competition, she came home with three gold medals in scrabble and a bronze medal in chess and she was the youngest athlete playing against secondary school pupils.
”She was also at last year’s World Youth Chess competition in Dubai, and in her age category, she won a silver medal.
”Currently she has a private tutor that takes her in the games and she is also a member of the Surulere Chess and Scrabble Club,” she said.
Ayoola Moshoodat, 11, from Abesan Primary School, Ipaja, told NAN that the award will encourage her to be more hard working and to always prepare well for competitions.
She had won a gold medal in Taekwondo in Oturkpo and at the Ilorin Games.
”I looking forward to the Ibile Games. I have prepared well and I know I can do well, ”Moshoodat said.
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Barakat Quadri, 11, a tennis player from Maryanne College, Lagos and her partner, Mariam Balogun, 13, from Aunty Ayo Girls College, Obalende, said that they were prepared for the Ibile Games.
They said that they were happy to be honoured by the state government and will continue to do more, if giving the opportunity.
”Competitions help me to prove my best and showcase all that I have been training for, so I am always looking forward to prove my best in competitions.
”Other than the Ibile Games, I want Lagos State to organise more competitions to keep us busy and develop our skills,” Quadri said.
Sikiru Quadri, father to Barakat, told NAN that the recognition given to his daughter was very encouraging and that he would always encourage her to play tennis.
”It is great to have children. This recognition means a lot to my daughter and I and to all those who have been so recognised.
”I’ve always encouraged her in sports and I will continue to play my part as a father,” he added. (NAN)
