Students from two secondary schools in Lagos State have been honoured with scholarship awards, cash prizes, and trophies following their outstanding performance at the Aketi Bowl II National Competition held in Calabar.
Eko Hot News reports that the winners were recognised for their dedication and achievements during the national tournament organised for secondary school students across the country.
The competition featured teams from different states, showcasing young talents in flag football and promoting sports development within the school system.
At the award presentation ceremony, students from Ikeja Senior Grammar School and Army Cantonment Girls Senior School were celebrated for emerging champions in the male and female categories.
The awards were presented by the Nigerian American Football Association (NAFA) and the Nigeria Secondary School Flag Football League (NSSFFL).
Each winning school received scholarship awards worth N20 million, alongside N1 million cash prizes and trophies.
The presentation ceremony took place at the Conference Room of the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, commended NAFA for promoting innovation and youth development through sports.
He noted that sports activities play an important role in the education system by supporting students’ physical and mental well-being.
Alli-Balogun added that sports participation also helps students develop discipline, teamwork and leadership skills.
The Commissioner further reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s readiness to support initiatives that promote sports and education among young people.
He explained that programmes like the Aketi Bowl competition provide students with opportunities to showcase their talents beyond the classroom.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Secretary General of NAFA, Lawrence Ojaige, praised the outstanding performance of the Lagos teams.
Ojaige described the students’ achievement as a reflection of dedication, teamwork and commitment.
He noted that the competition has continued to grow in popularity since its introduction as a platform to promote flag football among secondary school students.
According to him, Lagos schools have consistently demonstrated strong performance in the tournament.
He recalled that Lagos schools also won both male and female categories during the competition’s maiden edition in 2023.
Ojaige added that the absence of Lagos teams from the 2025 edition was noticeable, as their participation often brings strong competition to the event.
He congratulated the students and school authorities for their efforts and for representing Lagos State with excellence.
Education stakeholders at the ceremony noted that sports competitions provide students with valuable opportunities for personal growth.
They added that such initiatives help encourage youth participation in constructive and rewarding activities.
The organisers also expressed optimism that the recognition given to the winning schools will inspire other students to pursue excellence in sports and academics.
The award ceremony concluded with the presentation of trophies, scholarship awards and cash prizes to the winning teams.
Officials said the recognition highlights the importance of combining education and sports to nurture well-rounded students across Nigeria.
