Osun Kicks-off World Schools’ Calisthenics

The Osun government has disclosed that state callisthenics programme, will now be part of extracurricular 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 callisthenics 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 systems by the students.
He added that the programme apart from instilling the spirit of teamwork, discipline and promptness in over 5000 pupils that have been participating since its commencement has also helped 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 programme, saying callisthenics 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.