Osun Kicks-off World Schools’ Calisthenics
Yinka Kolawole
The Osun state government has disclosed that state calisthenics programme, will now be part of extra curricular activities that will avail schools from the 9 federal constituencies in the state to compete against each other.
The Director of Development of Social and Grassroots Mobilisation and Guidance, Office of the Governor, Mr. Adebayo Ojo, who made this known, recently, while briefing Journalists in Osogbo, said the calisthenics programme will now have new templates which include a wider spread, adding that it would afford more students opportunity to participate, and instill discipline in the school children.
He said the new template as approved by Governor Rauf Aregbesola, would not only allow interested private school to participate, but would also be voluntary, adding that though the state government will be responsible for the training funding, support would be sought from social and corporate organisations as sponsors.
“Efforts are underway to institutionalise the programme in the state school academic calendar, ” he said, while commending the state governor’s effort towards re-branding the education sector.
Ojo said the introduction of calisthenics into the public schools is an integral part of a rejuvenated education system in the state and that it has enhanced organisational capacity and understanding of system by the students.
He added that the programme apart from instilling spirit of team work, discipline and promptness in over 5000 pupils that have been participating since its commencement, has also help in boosting the economy of the state.
Echoing a similar view, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr Festus Olajide thanked Aregbesola for introducing the program me, saying calisthenics game has enhanced organisational capacity and understanding among the youth.
Olajide explained that education is one of the grassroots requirements that determined the future of youth, adding that all hands must be on deck to encourage young one acquiring it.