The organiser of the re
cently concluded “Innovating for Girls Education” Nneka Ikem-Anibueze, event, has urged school authorities to create adequate time for pupils to engage in sports.
Ikem-Anibueze told newsmen  in Lagos that pupils needed ample time to practise sports to be able to identify their talents early.
Ikem-Anibueze  organised the International Day of the Girl Child with the theme “Innovating for Girls Education”, to harness the potential of the girl-child.
The programme, which took place at the National Stadium, Lagos, had Chioma Ajunwa, an Olympics long jump gold medalist in 96, as a resource person.
“The school authorities have a major role to play in the development of sports in the country. They need to create sufficient time for pupils to exhibit their potential.
“Students in primary and secondary schools, especially girls, should be encouraged to take part in diverse sports because it will assist them to identify their genuine talents,’’ She said.
She stressed the need for schools to have favourable environment to help pupils to display their skills for sports administrators to identify and nurture them.
“It is so appalling that most schools have limited space for sporting activities and cannot provide  arenas for upcoming athletes to be discovered,’’ she said.
Ikem-Anibueze recalled that Ajunwa had promised to set up an athletics academy in the country to nurture young athletes to fly the country’s flag at international events.
She added that the academy would be used for the scouting of talents in schools and urged school authorities to take advantage of the scheme to improve their sporting profile.
“This is something that we have been clamouring for, so school authorities must begin now to create more space for sporting activities to encourage pupils to participate in sports,’’ she said.
While applauding Ajunwa, Ikem-Anibueze expressed confidence that the academy would produce good athletes that would bring glory to the country in international competitions.