By Aliyu Gerengi, Gombe
GOMBE — Herwagana Primary School has emerged champions of an Inter-Primary School Football Competition organised to mark the 100th anniversary of Hassan Central Primary School, Gombe.
The final, played at the Pantami Township Stadium, saw Herwagana defeat the host school, Hassan Central Primary School, 4–3 on penalties after a keenly contested match. The tournament brought together pupils from several primary schools across Gombe metropolis.
The competition was organised by the Chairman of the Gombe Grassroots Movement, Alhaji Ahmed Shuaibu Gara Gombe, as part of activities lined up to celebrate the centenary of Hassan Central Primary School, one of the oldest and most prestigious primary schools in Gombe State.
Speaking after the final, Alhaji Gara described the tournament as an initiative aimed at promoting sportsmanship, unity, and healthy competition among pupils while celebrating the school’s century-long contributions to education.
He explained that the football tournament, alongside athletics events, was designed to commemorate 100 years of academic excellence and service to society.
According to him, other centenary activities will include public lectures at Gombe State University on the history and contributions of Hassan Central Primary School, a grand reunion of old pupils and teachers at the school premises, and the presentation of awards to distinguished individuals who have contributed to the growth of the institution.
Alhaji Gara commended members of the organising committee for their dedication. He also appreciated invited guests, teachers, pupils, parents, and supporters for their participation and encouragement.
He stressed that sports remain a powerful tool for promoting discipline, teamwork, friendship, and peaceful coexistence among young people, adding that grassroots competitions help identify and nurture future football stars.
In separate remarks, the Deputy Chairman of Gombe Local Government, Alhaji Saifullahi Auwal, and the Deputy Chairman of Gombe South Local Council Development Area, LCDA, Alhaji Dalhatu Boderi, commended Alhaji Gara for the initiative.
They described it as a worthwhile investment in young people, noting that sports strengthen unity, promote social interaction, and foster peaceful coexistence among pupils from different communities.
The two officials assured the organisers of continued support for programmes aimed at developing education and grassroots sports in Gombe State.
Also speaking, the Education Secretary of Gombe Local Government, Alhaji Abdullahi Baba, urged schools across the state to participate actively in similar competitions. He said such programmes provide a platform for discovering talented young athletes who can represent the state and the country in future sporting events.
He praised the organisers for successfully hosting the competition and encouraged school administrators to continue promoting sports alongside academics for the all-round development of pupils.
The centenary celebration of Hassan Central Primary School is expected to attract former pupils, educationists, government officials, and other stakeholders from within and outside Gombe State as they celebrate 100 years of excellence in education and the school’s enduring contribution to human capital development.
