Sports crucial to teaching children leadership skills – Lagos First Lady

Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has underscored the importance of sporting activities in the school system, saying it plays a pivotal role in developing the mental health and physical fitness of children.

She stressed that inter-house sporting activities help to raise the self-esteem of students, promote team spirit and also crucial in inculcating leadership skills in children.

Sanwo-Olu, who stated this at the Inter-House Sports of Foreshore School, Ikoyi, Lagos, held at the Campos Mini Stadium, Lagos Island, said: “It has been established by subject-matter experts that the physical development of children contributes greatly to their emotional well-being, which is a key component of general wellness.”

Sanwo-Olu urged students to learn how to embrace unity and genuinely look out for the welfare and interest of their fellow students.

The school’s Director, Bunmi Egbeyemi, said extra curriculum activities has been one of the strongest points of the school, noting that it has been developing other skills in children apart from academic excellence.

“We are first after quality teaching and building confidence in the children, and sport is part of the activities that build confidence in children,” she said.

Chairman of the event, Mr. Niyi Adewumi, challenged parents to support their children if they notice that they have interest in a particular sport and help to nourish it.

He said: “With the children taking part in this physical activities; it will develop their minds, bodies and soul, and they would be better sharper, even in their academics.”At the end of the event, Oak House won the Inter-House Sports competition.