Gombe State came alive as over 3,000 secondary school students gathered at the Pantami Township Stadium for the grand opening of the Gombe Inter-Schools Athletics and Principal’s Cup football competition.

The ceremony featured colorful displays, with more than 25 private schools and 40 public schools participating in a vibrant match pass. Government Senior Secondary School Bolari East emerged as the overall champion of the match pass, earning a cash prize of N100,000 presented to their games master.

Adding to the excitement, music stars, S. Nigger and Maryam Katsina thrilled the crowd with captivating performances.

The Commissioner of Education, Dr. Aishatu Umar Maigari, led dignitaries in taking the official kick-off of the Principal’s Cup. The opening football match saw Savannah Group of Schools secure a narrow 1-0 victory over Government Day Junior Secondary School.

Athletics events also began, with heats in the 100-meter, shot put, and long jump for boys and girls in the U-14, U-17, and U-20 categories. Over the next four days, more competitions, including the 200-meter, high-jump, and 4×400-meter relay, are scheduled.

The Chairman of the Gombe State Athletics Association, Hon. Ahmed Gara-Gombe, highlighted the event’s significance in reviving grassroots sports.

“If you notice the landscape of the sports industry in Nigeria, we are still struggling in even some of the basic sports competitions that are almost our birthright. We will pick the best and induct them into the academy while encouraging them to continue with their studies.”

“Bridging the gap between grassroots and elite sports is crucial for our progress. Reviving historic competitions like the Principal’s Cup is essential to nurturing young talent,” he stated.