Trainees from two Lagos State secondary schools have received N20 million scholarship awards, cash prizes, and trophies after emerging winners at the Aketi Bowl II National Competition kept in Calabar.
The awards were presented to champions in both the male and female categories throughout a ceremony held at the meeting room of the Lagos State Ministry of Fundamental and Secondary Education.
The winners– Ikeja Senior citizen Grade School, Oshodi, in the male category, and Army Cantonment Girls Senior School in the female classification– each received N20 million scholarship awards, N1 million cash prizes, and trophies in acknowledgment of their exceptional efficiency.
The prizes were presented by the Nigerian Football Association and the Nigeria Secondary School Flag Football League, organisers of the competitors.
Speaking at the discussion, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, applauded NAFA for promoting innovation and sports development among Nigerian youth.
“All types of sports are a vital part of education as they add to the physical and psychological wellness of trainees,” Alli-Balogun stated, while reaffirming the Lagos State Federal government’s preparedness to support efforts that promote youth development through sports.
Also speaking, the Secretary-General of NAFA, Lawrence Ojaige, revealed complete satisfaction with the remarkable performance of Lagos schools in the competition’s third edition.
He noted that Lagos schools had actually previously controlled the competition.
“Lagos State won both the male and female classifications throughout the 2023 maiden edition, and when again their schools have demonstrated quality and devotion that deserve recognition,” Ojaige stated.
Ojaige included that Lagos schools were absent from the 2025 edition, keeping in mind that their lack was strongly felt during the tournament.
“Lagos schools’ absence in the 2025 edition was greatly missed out on, and I make certain it was their lack that gave way to other winners,” he said.
He further praised the two schools for bringing pride to Lagos State through their dedication and achievements, while appealing to state federal governments throughout Nigeria to supply more support for secondary school flag football competitions in the coming years.
The Aketi Bowl competition is developed to motivate sports participation amongst secondary school students while promoting team effort, discipline, and leadership skills.