The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has praised the Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA) for their efforts in promoting national unity and social cohesion in the country through its annual sports carnival.
The grand finale of the third edition of the USOSA Sports Carnival recently took place at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Elekahia Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital.
General Musa, a product of the Unity Schools, commended the association for playing a crucial role in shaping and developing great minds and leaders and fostering national unity.
The theme for this year’s carnival, “Sports, a Tool for National Unity,” resonated strongly with the CDS, who emphasized that sports is a veritable tool for national cohesion.
He described the USOSA sports carnival as a significant event that advances national unity, reuniting old friends and mates after a long period.
General Musa praised the USOSA for their relentless commitment to keeping the flame of national unity alive through this vibrant gathering.
He also commended the association for their unwavering commitment to promoting unity and development in the nation.
“I commend your relentless commitment to keeping the flame of national unity alive through this vibrant gathering.
“l am also optimistic that this carnival will rekindle old friendships which hopefully will further strengthen the bonds of friendship and brotherliness we have all engendered over the years.
“I also commend you for your unwavering commitment to promoting unity and development in our association and the nation in general,” he said.
Speaking, the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, SSG, Professor Ibibia Worika thanked the leadership of USOSA for choosing Port Harcourt as the host city for the carnival.
Worika applauded USOSA for being a tool for integration and unity across Nigeria over there years, and not relenting.
He assured the association of the continued support from the Rivers State government.
Earlier, in his remark, President General of Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA), Michael Magaji, described sports as a major tool for nation building.
“On behalf of the BOT and NEC let me thank our Port Harcourt based brothers and sisters for hosting us this year, and also commend the LOC team for the sacrifice and effort in making this a reality.
“For the first time, the USOSA Carnival is spread over two days to accommodate the various events planned for this outing. Thirty two Alumni associations registered to participate in over 30 games comprising, track, field and table sports in this fiesta.
“Sports remains not only a tool for nation building and bonding, but also a medium to promote unity, team spirit and excellence. Through this competition, we test our resilience and appreciate our diversity, it’s strengths and challenges as well.
“Ultimately a healthy body with a healthy mind is key to national development and the overall progress of self and country.”
Magaji reiterated the commitment of USOSA in supporting good governance and promoting national unity and promoting quality public education in the country.
“USOSA remains committed to promoting quality public education and good governance even as we continue to promote national unity, excellence and peace in our country. What we are witnessing in Port Harcourt today is an expression and affirmation of our belief in this great country. We are all delighted to be in Rivers State to achieve that.”
The WHISTLER reports that Federal Government College, Ikot-Ekpene (men) and Federal Government College, Ikot Obot Itong (FGC IOI), both from Akwa Ibom State, emerged overall champions in men and women categories of competition of the sports carnival.
Aside from emerging as the best school and winning the overall title, FGC Ikot-Ekpene also won the march past competition, while the Host, Federal Government College Port Harcourt emerged champion in the football event at grand finale which also had a business exhibition.
One of the awardees at the event and West African Golf Champion, Mr Bill Amechi who represented Kings College, Lagos in golf games, and emerged overall Best Net Winner, expressed excitement and commended leadership of the USOSA for the organisation of the event.
Amechi said “I am just excited seeing that most of the schools are represented. The festival reminds and gives everyone excited about old times.
“Am not surprised I won as the overall best net, because am a West African Champion, and I have go couple of trophies, but this very prize is special because am winning it for my alma mater, Kings College Lagos.
“Am very impressed with the sports carnival, I wish it could be done annual as planned because it fosters unity, peace and progress among people of different tribes across the nation.”
He used the medium to appeal to the government to stop seeing golf as expensive, and also give more attention in sponsoring and promoting golf, just as they do in football and other sports.
