Director General, Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Mr Joseph Ari, has described sports as “a universal drug for all sicknesses that must be taken by all”.
Ari made the assertion at the weekend in Jos, at the 5th inter-house athletics competition of the ITF Staff School.
“Sports unite all people. It excites everyone. It attracts everyone and brings sworn enemies together. Engaging in sports prevents a lot of ailments,” Ari said in a speech at the end of the competition.
The ITF boss, who was represented by Mrs. Augustina Igbeyi, ITF’s Director in charge of Business Training Development, said that sporting activities keep people fit and aid the quest for a healthy living.
He said that ITF was committed to promoting sports development and commended the principal and staff of the school for organising the competition.
Ari commended the students for exhibiting a spirit of love and togetherness throughout the exercise, and promised to execute projects that would create a conducive environment for sports activities and academics.
Earlier in her remarks, the Principal of the school, Mrs. Ekong Ndidi-Amaka, had said that the annual competition was aimed at fostering a better relationship among the students.
She urged the ITF management to upgrade the football field and provide badminton, tennis and handball courts.
“We also need additional spike shoes, stop watches and whistles,” she added.
The Plateau Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Mr Victor Lapang, in his remarks, said that cricket would soon be introduced to schools in the state to develop the game.
Tidesports source gathered that six Houses participated in the track and field events that included 100, 200 and 400 metres races, as well as javelin, long and high jump, among others.
Green House emerged the overall winner and took home a cash prize of N60,000, while Red and Blue houses emerged Second and third respectively.
Speaking to NAN, the Games Captain of the school, John Adebayo, urged the management of ITF to repair the volley ball court to encourage students interested in that game.
He commended the organisers of the event, saying that the 2018 exercise was far better than previous ones.