By Aliyu Bala Gerengi, Gombe
Herwagana Primary School has emerged champions of the Inter-Primary School Football Competition organised as part of activities marking the 100th anniversary of Hassan Central Primary School, Gombe.
The keenly contested tournament, which brought together pupils from several primary schools across Gombe metropolis, reached its climax at the Pantami Township Stadium, where Herwagana Primary School defeated host school, Hassan Central Primary School, 4–3 on penalties after a thrilling final match.
The competition was organised by the Chairman of the Gombe Grassroots Movement, Alhaji Ahmed Shuaibu Gara Gombe, as one of the programmes lined up to celebrate the centenary of Hassan Central Primary School, one of the oldest and most prestigious primary schools in Gombe State.
Speaking shortly after the final match, Alhaji Gara described the tournament as an initiative aimed at promoting sportsmanship, unity and healthy competition among pupils while celebrating the school’s century-long contributions to education.
He explained that the football tournament, alongside athletics events, formed part of the activities designed to commemorate the school’s 100 years of academic excellence and service to society.
According to him, the centenary celebration will continue with a number of landmark activities, including public lectures at Gombe State University focusing on the history and contributions of Hassan Central Primary School to educational development in the state.
He added that the programme would also feature a grand reunion of old pupils, teachers and other stakeholders at the school premises, as well as the presentation of awards to distinguished individuals who have made remarkable contributions to the growth and development of the institution.
Alhaji Gara commended members of the organising committee for their dedication and hard work in ensuring the success of the tournament.
He also expressed appreciation to invited guests, teachers, pupils, parents and supporters for their active participation and encouragement throughout the competition.
He stressed that sports remain a powerful tool for promoting discipline, teamwork, friendship and peaceful coexistence among young people, adding that grassroots sporting competitions provide an opportunity to identify and nurture future football stars.
In separate remarks, the Deputy Chairman of Gombe Local Government, Alhaji Saifullahi Auwal, and the Deputy Chairman of Gombe South Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Alhaji Dalhatu Boderi, commended Alhaji Ahmed Shuaibu Gara for organising the competition.
They described the initiative as a worthwhile investment in the future of young people, noting that sports help to strengthen unity, promote social interaction and foster peaceful coexistence among pupils from different communities.
The two officials assured the organisers of their continued support for programmes aimed at developing education and grassroots sports across Gombe State.
Also speaking, the Education Secretary of Gombe Local Government, Alhaji Abdullahi Baba, urged schools across the state to participate actively in similar competitions, saying such programmes provide a platform for discovering talented young athletes who can be groomed to represent the state and the country in future sporting events.
He praised the organisers for successfully hosting the competition and encouraged school administrators and teachers to continue promoting sporting activities alongside academic pursuits to ensure the all-round development of pupils.
The centenary celebration of Hassan Central Primary School is expected to attract former pupils, educationists, government officials and other stakeholders from within and outside Gombe State as they celebrate the institution’s 100 years of excellence in education and its enduring contribution to human capital development.