Wike Renewed Hope School Sports Festival 2025 Concludes With Focus On Youth Development

By: Gyang Dakwo

The 2025 edition of the ‘Wike Renewed Hope School Sports Festival’ wrapped up on a high note, with stakeholders emphasizing the transformative power of sports and education in youth development. The grand finale, held at the iconic Main Bowl of the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, featured exhilarating track events and the presentation of awards to outstanding athletes.

The event, which brought together students from schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), was attended by key government officials, educators, and sports enthusiasts. Representing the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Education Secretariat, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, delivered a powerful message on the indispensable role of sports in education.

“Sports is an essential part of learning, and education is incomplete without it,” Wike stated. He highlighted the broader impact of sports, noting its ability to foster national identity, unity, and economic growth. “Sports can be extremely important in fostering a sense of identity among the youth. It enhances economic wealth, and the sports industry contributes significantly to the economy of any country,” he said.

Wike called for improvements to the ‘Nyesom Wike Renewed Hope School Sports Festival’ to attract both local and international investors. He also urged stakeholders to support the dreams and aspirations of young athletes, describing them as the future of Nigeria’s sports industry.

In his welcome address, Dr. Hayyo, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the FCT Education Secretariat, Judith Okeke, commended the students for their dedication and participation. He reiterated the importance of integrating sports into the school curriculum, noting that the initiative has become a permanent fixture in the FCT under the leadership of Barr. Nyesom Wike.

“Our children have not chosen sports over academics; rather, they see both as essential parameters of life. Sports and academics open up career paths for our children. Studies have shown that children who participate in sports tend to perform better academically,” Dr. Hayyo said.

He expressed optimism that the festival would position the FCT as a hub for sports and tourism on the global stage.

The festival also served as a talent discovery platform, with several promising athletes identified during the competition. Hashimu Adamu, Director of School Sports, expressed delight at the event’s success and thanked the FCT Administration and all contributors for their support.

“We have discovered some exceptional talents during this festival, and we will provide them with the necessary support and training to develop their skills,” Adamu said.

He also revealed that preparations are underway for the forthcoming National Schools Sports Festival, scheduled to take place in Abuja later this year.

At the end of the competition, LEA Kpadna emerged as the overall best in the Primary School category, while Junior Secondary School Jiwa took the top spot in the Junior category. Army Day Secondary School, Maitama, clinched the honors in the Senior category.

The festival not only celebrated athletic excellence but also reinforced the FCT’s commitment to leveraging sports as a tool for youth empowerment, national unity, and economic development.