L-R: Chinedu Amure (deputy president-general of USOSA), Bill Amaechi of Kings College (over all Golf winner), and Michael Magaji (President-General of USOSA) at the conclusion of the USOSA sports festival in PH.
… As Federal Govt College Ikot Ekpene wins with 8 gold medals
The Rivers State government has applauded the old students’ association of Federal Government Colleges (Unity Schools) for bringing their 2025 sports carnival to Port Harcourt.
Groups have been scared of holding major events in Rivers State based on apprehensions over state of emergency declared in the state over one month ago, and protests raging in the state almost every day. The interim government in the state which has the mandate to restore stability in the state has been uncomfortable with groups cancelling their events in the Garden City, demanding funds already disbursed to such groups back or face court action.
USOSA led by Michael Magaji, however backed the association to hold their 2025 carnival in Port Harcourt. The state authorities seemed pleased.
Now, at the closing ceremony held at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium on Elekaha Road, the state government offered support to the Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA) that organized the carnival featuring 32 colleges.
The joy of the state government and the mind of Ibok Ekwe Ibas, the Sole Administrator, was communicated by Ibibia Worika, a professor of law who is the secretary to the state government at the closing ceremony.
Speaking as special guest, Worika, also an old student (Federal Government College, Port Harcourt), the whole idea of the Unity School system was to create a bastion of unity and integration. He said has been achieved.
He went on: “Apart from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the federal government college system is the medium where all parts of Nigeria meet and continue after graduation.”
Read also: Federal Unity Schools ex-students storm Port Harcourt for USOSA sports
He said the Sole Administrator was very much aware of the visitors and a carnival in the city. He said the state government would do the needful and that the processes were ongoing.
Earlier in his office, the SSG has emphasized the role of sports as a powerful tool for fostering unity, peace, and collaboration in society, while also serving as a driver for development.
He spoke when the USOSA delegation paid him a visit to announce their presence in Port Harcourt. He told his guests that the Sole Administrator was deeply committed to advancing educational and sports development initiatives.
He said: “I assure you that we share your vision for greater unity, particularly among Nigerians and within Rivers State. You are doing remarkable work, and we encourage other schools to emulate the exemplary efforts of federal government colleges at the grassroots level. Such initiatives significantly contribute to peace, unity, and collaboration across all sectors.”
At the opening ceremony, Magaji, the President-General of USOSA, said the sports carnivals began in Lagos (2023) and Abuja (2024), and has now touched down in Port Harcourt. “For the first time, it has spread over two days to accommodate many more events. Over 32 alumni associations registered to participate in over 30 games including track, field, and table sports, plus golfers.”
The president-general said sports remain tool for nation-building and bonding but for promotion of unity, team spirit, and excellence. It ultimately helps to build a healthy body and sound mind. He thanked sponsors as well as Chris Gabwin Musa, an Army General and Chief of Defence Staff, and Didi Walson Jack, the Head of Service of the Federation for their participation and support.
He said: “USOSA remains committed to promoting quality public education and good governance even as we continue to promote national unity.”
In his goodwill message, Musa, also an old boy, said unity colleges have continued to play pivotal role in the development of minds, character, and attitude of the young ones including myself.
“The USOSA Sports experiment is a tool for national unity, thus the significance of this event. We look forward to the carnival helping to rekindle old friendships and brotherliness.
The closing ceremony was marked with colourful parades showcasing the cultures and costumes of the towns where they schooled, with the FGC Benin showing a beautiful woman dressed as Oba’s wife.
Federal Government College, Ikot Ekpene, won the fiesta with eight gold medals and 15 overall medals, while Ogbomosho came second with four gold medals and 13 overall. Federal Government Girls College, Ikot Obio Itong, bagged third best with three gold medals and seven overall medals, and also begged best female school.
