Erewa Calls for Revitalization of Sports System in Nigeria

Chief Godday Erewa, Proprietor and Director of Studies at Valley Stream British Schools, has called for the revitalisation of Nigerian Sports.

Erewa recently addressed the deteriorating state of sports in Nigeria and called for the development of grassroot sports in the country.

In an interview session with Warri Sentinel at the 2nd Edition of the school’s Inter-House Sports Competition, which held on Friday, February 14, at Sapele, Delta State, Erewa shared his vision for sports development in Nigeria and the role of Valley Stream Sports Academy in fostering young talent.

Erewa, reflecting on Nigeria’s past successes in sports, lamented that the current system has been clouded by corruption, leading to a focus on quotas instead of talent.

“In the past, sports in Nigeria was about the best talent, not about tribe. Today, we need to return to a system where the best of us represents the rest of us,” Erewa remarked, calling for a revival of grassroots sports to identify and develop future stars.

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Further highlighting the broader potential of sports, Erewa stressed that sports should be all-encompassing, equipping students with not just physical skills but modern ideas that shape their development.

He expressed confidence that there is greater financial opportunity in talent discovery than in traditional academic routes alone. “There is more money in talent discovery than the book itself. Sports, when nurtured properly, can make a significant difference in our nation,” he noted.

The competition saw intense competition among the four houses, with Green House emerging victorious with a total of 285 points. Blue House came in second with 277 points, followed by Red House in third with 196 points, and Yellow House in fourth with 172 points. The day also featured a staff and parents’ race, underscoring the involvement of the entire school community in the day’s festivity.

The biennial sports competition was attended by several distinguished figures including the host, Chief Godday Erewa, Proprietor and Director of Studies at ValleyStream British Schools, alongside co-host Dr. Mrs. Omagbemi, Chief Inspector of Education for Sapele LGA. The event also saw the participation of the Chairman, Hon. Chief Eugene Inoaghan, the Father of the Day, Chief Johnson Amatseruleghe, and the Mother of the Day, HRM Olori Atuwase III. Other notable guests included Lt. Col Garuba, the Commanding Officer of the 90 Amphibious Battalion, and Chief Dr. Austin Arieja, among others.

Through initiatives like Valley Stream’s sports academy, Erewa hope to inspire a new generation of athletes who can bring pride to Nigeria, ensuring that talent—not tribal affiliation—defines success in the nation’s sports arena.