The Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary of Education District IV, Mr. Olufemi Bamidele Paseda, has commended students from the district who emerged victorious at the 7th Opeifa Secondary Schools Sports Competition, a prestigious Lagos State-wide event that brings together top young athletes from public secondary schools across the state.
EpeInsights reports that in a warm reception held in honour of the student-athletes, Mr. Paseda praised their commitment, discipline and exceptional performances, describing them as true ambassadors of excellence, resilience and determination.
He noted that their outstanding achievements underscore the district’s strong culture of talent development and reflect Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Plus Agenda, particularly its focus on youth empowerment, quality education and sports development.
At the competition, Aje Comprehensive Senior High School clinched the Gold Medal in the Senior Boys Category, while Herbert Macaulay Junior High School emerged as Gold Medalists in the Junior Girls Category.
In the senior category, United Christian Senior High School won Gold in the Senior Boys Category, and Government College Senior School secured the Bronze Medal in the same category.
The event also recognised individual excellence, as several students distinguished themselves through exceptional skill and performance:
- Best Goalkeeper (Junior Boys Category): Master Malik Balogun
- Best Goalkeepers (Senior Boys & Girls Categories): Master Olufemi Nasiru and Miss Chima Ezeono
- Highest Goal Scorers (Junior Boys & Girls Categories): Master Paschel Komoko and Miss Nwoba Chineye
- Highest Goal Scorer (Senior Boys Category): David Ayomide
In a remarkable highlight, Miss Ezor Gabriella was named Most Valuable Player (Senior Girls Category) and received an iPhone 11 for her outstanding leadership and skill on the field. Similarly, Miss Sikiru Mutiat of Lagos City Senior College was honoured as the Ambassador of the Opeifa Cup, recognising her exemplary sportsmanship, talent, and positive influence throughout the tournament.
Mr. Paseda lauded the management teams of the participating schools, the coaches, and the District’s Sports Unit for their unwavering dedication to nurturing students who excel both academically and athletically.
“Your victories demonstrate that success is achievable through discipline, teamwork, and perseverance,” he said. “Continue to uphold these values, remain focused, and inspire your peers to strive for excellence both in academics and in sports.”
He further encouraged the young athletes to continue combining their academic pursuits with extracurricular activities, noting that true education encompasses intellectual, moral, and physical development.
“Sports build character and leadership, and we will continue to support platforms like the Opeifa Cup that develop our youths holistically,” Mr. Paseda added.
The Opeifa Secondary Schools Sports Competition, named after a distinguished educationist and sports advocate, has become a major avenue for discovering and nurturing sporting talents across Lagos State’s public schools, reinforcing the government’s commitment to promoting youth development through education and sports.
