By: 

Chinedum Ohanusi & Bamidele Solomon

The students of WUPA (Purple) House are still in jubilant mood, and basking in the euphoria of winning the 2025 Annual Inter House Sports competition, after garnering 183 cumulative points, to beat ZUMA (Red) House whose 140 points meant they finished in second spot, on the overall table.

KATAMPE (Orange) House with 133 points, followed in 3rd and the fiesta, which was the 29th edition; and underlined the prowess and clout of GSS Gwagwalada, one of the five pioneering Secondary Schools, established in 1980, when Abuja was merely the capital city of the country, but has yet to acquire the status of official seat of the government; as a school with a reputation of having a rich folklore of sporting achievements.

In all, athletes representing eight houses, including Aso (4th), Abuja (5th), Jabi (6th), Lower Usman (7th) and Gurara (8th), gave the competition their all, to the admiration of the dignitaries, and royalty, as the Aguma of Gwagwalada was ably represented. 

The Invitational Relays for Junior Secondary Schools, was won by JSS Bako, whose quartet beat JSS Angwan Dodo to the Silver; while JSS Gwakwo took the Bronze.

GSSS Tunga Maje won the Gold in the Invitational Relays for Senior Girls, and they won it ahead of GSS Bako, while GSS Kilankwa 2, placed 3rd and took the Bronze.

Again, GSS Tunga Maje claimed the Invitational Relays gold medal, for senior Boys ahead of GSS Dobi (2nd), and GSS Kwali in 3rd.

Chairman of the occasion, Rev. Jesse Washington Abasiene, an old student of the school, presented the overall winners trophy to WUPA House, for their standout performances; while the Director of School Services, FCT Secondary Education Board (SEB) Mrs. Alhassan Aisha assisted in presenting the ZUMA House with the trophy for the first runners-up.

The Inter House Sports competition which held the School's Sports Arena, featured a variety of track and field events, including invitational school relays and blue riband races like 100 Meters dash for Boys & Girls, was designed to promote sportsmanship, teamwork, while inculcating the ethos of self-discipline and physical fitness in the students.

One of the event's other highlight was the march-past parade, which showcased the students' discipline and coordination, with the Chairman of the Occasion, taking the salutes, and reviewing the guard of honour; as the appreciable number of spectators were thrilled by enthralling cultural performances and choreographic routines.

In his remarks, the Principal, GSS Gwagwalada, Mr.Victor Orifah praised the students for their competitive spirit, both in sports, and their academics. He also appreciated the support of parents and staff, and emphasized the importance of sports in fostering discipline and unity - two compelling ingredients needed to build any veritable society.

The Principal also appreciated the FCT Secondary Education Board for their inspirational leadership and untiring commitment towards ensuring that the educational curriculum of FCT Schools is laced with sports.

Mr.Orifah also took the opportunity to commend the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike for his remarkable strides in the education sector, particularly through the accelerated renovation and reconstruction of schools across the Territory, and the revived FCT Schools Sports fiesta, which he noted was a sure bet to inspire youngsters to be physically, and mentally fit, as well-rounded human beings.

According to the Principal, under his watch, GSS Gwagwalada has witnessed significant improvements in infrastructure, student welfare and improved academic standards; while maintaining closer ties with former students of the foremost school.

In his address, the Director/Secretary, FCT SEB, Dr. Sani Ladan Mohammed commended the principal and staff on the school, for remaining committed to holistic education where academics and extracurricular activities, complement each other to produce well-rounded individuals.

Also speaking, Rev Abasiene noted that beyond academics, taking part in sporting activities play a crucial role in developing the students, and equipping them with skills necessary for leadership and life-long success.

The event featured other track and field events, like teachers' and parents' races, and colourful march passes won by  KATAMPE House.