Fisrt lady of Ondo State, Arabirin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has implored parents, schools, stakeholders, governmental and non – governmental bodies to encourage and support sports at all levels, saying it is an enabler to get away from poverty.
She stated this today during the 2017 Inter-house Athletics Competition (66th edition) of the Aquinas College, Akure. Arabirin Anyanwu-Akeredolu said the academic success of the school is excellent, exemplary and outstanding, as evidences have shown that millions of successful students from the school have distinguished themselves at various careers.
She urged parents to support any kind of sport their children are engaged in from early stage, stressing that it is another source of income that helps the underprivileged to climb the social ladder.
The First Lady thanked the alumni of the College and other stakeholders who have assisted the school in the area of infrastructural development, provision of teaching materials, among others.
Earlier in a welcome address, the Principal of Aquinas College, Akure, Pastor Babasola Ayibiowu, said the importance of sports cannot be over emphasized, especially in a time like this that the country is faced with the challenge of unemployment, youth restlessness and health challenges.
He said it serves as a means of providing recreational activities and relaxation for anyone engaging in it, thus making it a unifying factor in the society.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the event, Engr. Tunji Light Ariyomo, charged the students to remain dedicated to their studies in order to become distinguished citizens.
He also thanked all those who have assisted in making the school a great citadel of learning.
