By JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
The fifth edition of the annual Coach Felix Academic and Sports Foundation Annual General Congress, held on Thursday December 29, 2022 at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium Kadunà, has witnessed innovations.
This was disclosed by the founder and initiator, Coach Osiebe Felix Onoriode while fielding questions from newsmen on the sidelines of the event.
According to him, in their quest to make the congress better with each edition, they came up with the addition of more events to make it grand.
“This particular edition of our Congress witnessed new innovations as we introduced 60m hurdles and mixed medley relay to the Athletics Championship,” he said.
According to him, the one day event was under the Chairmanship of the President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Eng. Musa Nimrod, who was ably represented by the National Organising Secretary, Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON), Mallam Abdulrazak Usman.
Speaking further, he said that speaking on the maximising of youthfulness as one of the guest speakers, the CEO Azubee Ventures Ltd and the leader of the Youth Wing of Hasfat Uba Sani Foundation, Mr. Suleiman Umar Azubaba, encouraged the athletes on how to contribute positively to their families and the society.
“The CEO of IHIFIX ICT Academy, Emmanuel Adikpe who was the second guest speaker, spoke on the importance of ICT to modern living,” he said.
Coach Felix described the event as a huge success.
“To God be the glory, the 5th Edition of the annual Coach Felix Academic and Sports Foundation was a huge success.
“We want to thank all our parents, stakeholders and partners, this wouldn’t have been achieved without their support and cooperation.
“Sincere appreciation to our entire athletes for thier unrelenting determination, dedication and discipline that has been paving way for us as a team,” he said.
He added, “Magnanimous donation to support the Youths Foundation was given by the Director – Youths Directorate, Hon. Suleiman Umar ASUBABA.
“Special gratitude to our own Grand Patron, Baba Sani Kila for all support rendered towards the Youths Foundation as well as our Team.
“Coach Felix an ardent supporter of Distinguished Senator Uba Sani, on behalf of the Youths Foundation appreciated the kind gesture of Her Excellency. While also appreciating Distinguished’s continued sponsorship.”
According to him, some other highlights of the day was the presentation of cash prizes donated by Eng. Musa Nimrod to the winners of the athletics events.
Those who benefitted, were Blessing Ikpa (Ortega) who finished first in the female 60 metres hurdles in 9.7s.
Emmanuella Emmanuel (CFASF) finished in 10.4s to claim silver, while Elizabeth Alege (CFASF) placed third in 10.9s.
In the 60 metres hurdles men final, Abu Goodwill (Dynamic) emerged first in 7.7s.
Akwanga Alphosus (Ortega) placed second in 8.4s, while David Yamai (CFASF) settled for the bronze in 8.7s.
In the 4x100m Women, Coach Felix Academic and Sports Foundation claimed the gold in 49.4s.
Dynamics Athletics Club with 49.8s were second, while Coach George Athletics Foundation ran 53.5s to win the bronze.
In the 4x100m men, Dynamics Athletics Club in 42.2s, won the gold.
Coach Felix Academic and Sports Foundation clocked 43.3s to finish second, while Coach Athletics Club Zaria, ran in 44.7s to settle for bronze.
In the Mixed Sprints Medley, Dynamics Athletics Club stole the show in 2:03:32s.
Coach Felix Academic and Sports Foundation followed closely in 2:06:91s to win silver, while Coach George Athletics Club, Zaria claimed the bronze after coming a second later than the runners-up in 2:07:70s.
In another innovation at this year’s event, the 60 metres for children under eight years targetted at catching them young, saw Esther Adebayo (Coach George Athletics Foundation, Zaria) finishing first.
Second position went to Dorcas Bulus (Coach George Athletics Foundation Zaria), while the third spot was claimed by Mercy Elias (Flying Horse Athletics Club Sabo).
Another highlight was the cash donation by the youth wing under the leadership of Hafsat Uba Sani Foundation, through the youth leader, Suleiman Umar Azubaba.
Earlier n his remarks, the Founder/Head Coach of Coach Felix Academic and Sports Foundation Osiebe Felix Onoriode, said the congress is an opportunity to review the activities for the year and also intimate the parents and stakeholders of the future plans.
He thanked the Patron and Matron of the foundation, Eng. Musa Nimrod and Princess Mabel Madojiemu respectively, for always reaching out to the foundation and its activities.
He also thanked Mr & Mrs Onikeku for their continuous support towards the growth and development of the Foundation.
Osiebe Felix Onoriode also appreciated the speakers, Azubaba for honouring the invitation, despite his busy schedule and also to Emma Adikpe for driving all the way from Zaria.
Speaking further, he extended appreciation to members of Hafsat Uba Sani Foundation, Mrs Aisha Idris (Director General), Miss Zulihat Buba and Eng. Philip Makama (members) for adding colour to the event.
“Special thanks to all our partners MicroManna Computers, Cavendish School, Manna Academy, IHIFIX ICT Academy, YFSON, MYS, ABS Mgt NSSF, Comdr. Nesiama Omatseye, Mrs. Olabiai Joseph, Coach Kayode Yahaya, Musa Audu Oly, Olusoji Fasugba Oly, Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman, he also promised next edition will be bigger and better by God’s Grace,” he said.
As part of the activities, Coach Felix Academic and Sports Foundation 2022 review was presented by the youngest world Athletics Youth Coach, Coach Abdulhakim Idris.
