By Funmi Ajumobi

The Lagos First Generation Heritage Colleges Association (LAFGHECA), a coalition of first-generation secondary schools in Lagos State, recently hosted its 11th Intercollegiate Games at the Igbobi College sports complex in Lagos, with 24 schools participating.

During the event, Air Vice Marshal Dr. Sikiru Smith (rtd), who chaired the day, commended the organizers for successfully putting together the games despite the economic challenges. He encouraged the students to embody the spirit of sportsmanship, emphasizing its role in fostering teamwork, relieving academic stress, and promoting mental fitness.

Dr. Smith also urged the government to prioritize sporting activities in schools, emphasizing their positive impact on students’ health and mental well-being. He highlighted the benefits of sports in enhancing academic performance and memory retention.

The Board of Trustees Chairman of LAFGHECA and former principal of Kings College, Otunba Dele Olapeju, expressed delight at the athletes’ performances and emphasized the association’s commitment to serving as a model of excellence for new generation schools.
He urged the government to invest in grassroots sports in schools to identify and nurture young talent, citing examples of successful athletes from developed countries who were trained from a young age.

Mr. H.A. Badru, the Director of Sports and principal of Ansar-Ud-Deen grammar School, stressed the importance of engaging children in sports to reduce social vices on the streets.
He called for increased support from sports councils and advised the government to encourage more students to participate in sporting activities in order to reduce vices in the country, adding that if there is any aspect of government policy that should be subsidized, it should be education so that more students will leave the streets and come to school.

“Subsidies should not go to petroleum. It should not go to agriculture. Bring it to education and make education almost free. That’s the best policy to have a peaceful nation. Badru added.

Adebambo T.O., President of LAFGHECA and Principal of Ansar-Ud-Deen College, Isolo, highlighted the significance of the intercollegiate games in promoting athleticism, dedication, and sportsmanship.
He expressed gratitude to sponsors, organizers, volunteers, and everyone involved in making the event a success, while encouraging athletes to focus on pushing their limits and striving for excellence rather than just winning.

At the end of the games, Federal Science and Tech College came first in the female category with 6 Gold, 4 Silver, Queen’s College came 2nd with 3 Gold, 4 Silver and 2 Vronze while FEderal Government College, Ijanikin came 3rd with 2 Gold, 4 Silver and 2 Bronze.
In the male category, FGCL,Ijanikin won the 1st position with 6 Gold, 1 Silver and 2 Bronze, C.M.S Grammer School came 2nd with 3 Gold, and 2 Silver, while The Apostolic Church Grammar School won tye 3rd position with 2 Gold, 2 Silver and 1 Bronze.

LAFGHECA consists of first-generation schools like Kings. College, Queen’s College, St. Finbarr’s College, The Apostolic Church Grammar School, Methodist Boys, Methodist Girls College. CMS Grammar School, Ansar-us-deen Girls High school, FSTC, Baptist Academy, St.Gregory’s College, Igbobi College, Western College, Eko Boys, Reagan memorial College, Anwar-ur Islam Girls, FGC, Ijanikin, Jubril Martin’s Memorial Grammar School, Bakare Disu Memorial High School, Birch Freeman boys High School, ISL, among others