The maiden edition of The Old Students Sports Fiesta came to an euphoric end on Sunday in Oyo town with Olivet Baptist High School Old Students emerging champions of the Football Championship.
The Olivet Baptist High School team came from a goal down to defeat their old rivals, Ladigbolu Grammar School Old Students (4-2) via penalty shootout in the highly pulsating game played at Durbar Stadium, Oyo.
Oba Adeyemi High School Old students thrashed St.Bernadines Girls Grammar School (3-0 ) to secure third position in the championship organized by Hyzik Media Concept Nigeria and supported by ACE SUPERMARKET CONGLOMERATE, Emmy Tee Fitness enterprise and Maya Communication, phones and gadgets, Oyo.
In the penalty challenge, Zacheus Aderoju of Olivet Baptist High School Old Students defeated his counterpart ,Barrister Olagoke Eesuola of Ajumoni Grammar School, Okota , Lagos State to emerge winner . While
Adewale of Oba Adeyemi High School came third.
Similarly, Ogunsola Kehinde , Azees Taoreed both of Oba Adeyemi High School and Lanre Wahab of St Bernardine’s Grammar School secured first, second and third positions respectively in the 100 meters and 200 meters races .
In separate interviews ,Former Member, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Isiaka Kazeem Arole ,Member, Governing Council, Federal University of Lokoja , Kogi State and Staff of the Nigeria Institute of Animal Science , Mr. Mojeed Olayiwola Agboola and Vice Chairman, Oyo East Local Government and Political Head , Oyo South East, Alhaji Mustapha Abdul- Wasiu Akinola, popularly known as WASPHA, said the need for individuals to identify with Old Students Associations of their schools cannot be overemphasized.
The trio submitted that the championship remains a platform for positive convergence for old and young students in Oyo and its environs .
They equally lauded the efforts of the Organizer of the championship, veteran Sports Journalist, Dayo Ojo in bringing old faces together through the competition.
According to Hon. Kazeem ‘Arole’, Old Students Association has come to stay and everybody should be proud of their schools . The involvement of Old Students Associations is crucial to school development, innovation, and progress particularly in the absence of sufficient government intervention.
Speaking further, Mr. Agboola revealed that Old Students Associations serve as platforms for networking, mutual support, and community development.
He advised the leadership of Old Students Associations to see their position as a call to serve, embrace transparency and be trustworthy in their dealings.
His words: “Having not visited Oyo in over 10-15 years, I am delighted to reconnect with old friends from various secondary schools, including Anglican Methodist Secondary School and St. Bernardine’s Girls’ Grammar School.
“Today , we have many people here who came from far and near, Uncle Adeleke from the United Kingdom , President, Oyo Premier Club , Barrister Jide Olanipekun and a host of others .
” I will advise leaders of the Old Students Associations to be open-minded because there are positive outcomes when followers perceive leaders as people to rely on .
Enumerating the importance of sporting activities in human life and community development, Alhaji . Mustapha Akinola suggested that the Old Students Championship should be held regularly, perhaps twice a year.
On his part, Engineer Demola Gesinde , Coach and Player, Olivet Baptist High School Old Students Football Team, attributed the victory of his side to the spirit of non – resilience demonstrated by his players and their passion for the game .
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer , Hyzik Media Concept Nigeria, Dayo Ojo, the Organizers, appreciated groups , individuals and organizations for their supports towards the success of the competition.
Highlights of the events include presentation of awards , cash prizes and trophy among others.
