Lagos schools dominate Western Conference of MILO Basketball Championships

David Hall College, Obalende, Ikoyi, and Topfield College, Ajegunle, Apapa, both in Lagos dominated the Western Conference of the 22nd MILO Secondary Schools Basketball Championships.

Their wins at the conference finals hosted at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, from May 28 to June 3, 2022 have qualified them to play in the National Finale of the Championships this year.

Hard fighting David Hall College, Obalende, defeated the girls from Osogbo Grammar School, Osun, 31-15 to emerge championsn in the girls’ category.

In the boys’ category, Topfield College, Ajugunle, Apapa, Lagos won by a single point defeating Victorroti Private Secondary School, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, Ogun, 47-46.

Speaking at the closing of the championships, Category Manager for Beverages, Nestlé Nigeria, Mr Olutayo Olatunji said: “It is a delight to be here and to witness this exceptional display of skills at this Western Conference finals.

“At MILO, we believe that sports provide a platform to teach children grit and help them imbibe values on their journey to success in life.

‘This is why we have been committed to the MILO Secondary Schools Basketball Championships in Nigeria for the last 22 editions.

“This Championships will continue to provide opportunities for developing qualities, including leadership skills, ability to work in a team, perseverance, courage, self-belief and respect in these young ones who participate.’’

The Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mr Rahman Abiodun Abdul-Rasheed, thanked Nestlé Nigeria Plc for the giant step the company had taken in organizing a competition of this magnitude nationwide, consistently for over two decades.

“Nestlé MILO Secondary Schools Basketball Championship has contributed to national development through healthy competitions among our youths where talents are discovered, trained and showcased to the world.’’

The Western Conference comprises: Lagos, Ondo, Ogun, Ekiti, Edo, Delta, Osun and Kogi and the host state, Oyo.

The winners in both the male and female categories of this Western Conference will compete with winners from the previously concluded Savanna Conference, Central Conference and Equatorial Conference, in the National Finals at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos from June 25 to July 1, 2022.

Over the last two decades, the Milo Secondary Schools Basketball Championships has emphasized the importance of grit to teach school children vital life values such as determination, tenacity, endurance, perseverance, team work and self-confidence.