•As CDS Lauds USOSA For Promoting National Unity
By Emma Sunday
Federal Government College, Ikot-Ekpene and Federal Government Girls College, Ikot Obot Itong (FGC IOI), both of Akwa Ibom State, have emerged overall champions in male and female categories at the just concluded National Sports Carnival for Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA), in the country.
Aside from winning the overall title, FGC Ikot-Ekpene also won the march past competition, while the Host, Federal Government College Port Harcourt emerged champion in the football event at the sports fiesta which also had a business exhibition.
Similarly, West African Golf Champion, Mr. Bill Amechi who represented Kings College, Lagos in golf games, was another outstanding performer at the tournament after emerging overall Best Net Winner.
Speaking during the Grand finale of the USOSA 2025 in Port Harcourt, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, lauded the Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA) for their efforts in promoting national unity and social cohesion in the country through it’s annual sports carnival.
General Musa, represented at the event by the Chief of Staff, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Emmanuel Adamu, expressed delight to be a product of the Unity Schools, commended the association for playing crucial role in shaping and developing great minds and leaders and fostering national unity.
He said, “I am particularly pleased that the Unity Colleges have continued to play a pivotal role in the development of minds, character and attitude of countless young individuals, including myself while fostering sterling qualities of integrity, resilience and excellence amongst others.
“Today’s sports carnival is yet another testament to the enduring legacy of excellence that typifies our respective alma maters.
“The theme for this year’s carnival ‘Sports, a Tool for National Unity’ is apt and resonates strongly with me, particularly as I am a strong believer in the power of sports as a veritable tool for national cohesion.”
The Chief of Defense Staff described the USOSA sports carnival as a significant event which advances national unity, considering the broad membership of the association which cuts across alumni of various renowned colleges, adding that it reunites old friends and mates together after a long period.
“I commend your relentless commitment to keeping the flame of national unity alive through this vibrant gathering.
“l am also optimistic that this carnival will rekindle old friendships which hopefully will further strengthen the bonds of friendship and brotherliness we have all engendered over the years.
“I also commend you for your unwavering commitment to promoting unity and development in our association and the nation in general,” he said.
In his remark, the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, SSG, Professor Ibibia Worika thanked the leadership of USOSA for choosing Port Harcourt as the host city for the carnival.
Worika applauded USOSA for being a tool for integration and unity across Nigeria over there years, and not relenting.
He assured the association of the continued support from the Rivers State government.
Earlier, in his address, President General of Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA), Michael Magaji, described sports as a major tool for nation building.
“On behalf of the BOT and NEC let me thank our Port Harcourt based brothers and sisters for hosting us this year, and also commend the LOC team for the sacrifice and effort in making this a reality.
“For the first time, the USOSA Carnival is spread over two days to accommodate the various events planned for this outing. Thirty two Alumni associations registered to participate in over 30 games comprising, track, field and table sports in this fiesta.
“Sports remains not only a tool for nation building and bonding, but also a medium to promote unity, team spirit and excellence. Through this competition, we test our resilience and appreciate our diversity, it’s strengths and challenges as well.
“Ultimately a healthy body with a healthy mind is key to national development and the overall progress of self and country.”
Magaji reiterated the commitment of USOSA in supporting good governance and promoting national unity and promoting quality public education in the country.
“USOSA remains committed to promoting quality public education and good governance even as we continue to promote national unity, excellence and peace in our country. What we are witnessing in Port Harcourt today is an expression and affirmation of our belief in this great country. We are all delighted to be in Rivers State to achieve that.”
The West African Golf Champion, and Best Net Winner in the Golf Championship at the event, Mr Bill Amechi who represented Kings College, Lagos, expressed excitement and commended leadership of the USOSA for the organisation of the event.
Amechi said “I am just excited seeing that most of the schools are represented. The festival reminds and gives everyone excited about old times.
“Am not surprised I won as the overall best net, because am a West African Champion, and I have go couple of trophies, but this very prize is special because am winning it for my alma mater, Kings College Lagos.
“Am very impressed with the sports carnival, I wish it could be done annual as planned because it fosters unity, peace and progress among people of different tribes across the nation.”
He used the medium to appeal to the government to stop seeing golf as expensive, and also give more attention in sponsoring and promoting golf, just as they do in football and other sports.
