By Abel Johngold Orheruata
Akwukwu-Igbo came alive with excitement as Agbogidi Primary School, Oshimili North Local Government Area, successfully hosted its 2025 Inter-House Sports Competition on March 27. The event, which drew pupils, dignitaries, and sports enthusiasts, marked a significant milestone in the revival of school sports within the community.
The competition, held on the school premises, featured a vibrant march past by the participating houses, setting the stage for an array of sporting activities. After a series of keenly contested events, Red House emerged as the overall winner, with Green House securing second place and Pink House taking third position.
In her welcome address, the Headmistress, Mrs. Margaret Osakwe, highlighted the importance of the school sports programme in fostering physical fitness, teamwork, and healthy competition among pupils. She expressed gratitude to donors and sponsors who have contributed to the school’s ongoing rebuilding efforts.
Speaking with online news platforms, a concerned Akwukwu-Igbo stakeholder, Mr. Godfrey Osakwe, praised the reintroduction of inter-house sports, describing it as a positive step for the local education system.
“Sports play a crucial role in the cognitive, mental, and physical development of children. Seeing Agbogidi Primary School gradually transform into a disciplined and nurturing institution brings me immense joy,” he said.
Mr. Osakwe commended Mrs. Osakwe’s leadership, emphasizing her role in restoring discipline, improving learning conditions, and introducing moral instruction sessions.
“Previously, it was common to see pupils roaming the streets during school hours while teachers engaged in petty trading. Mrs. Osakwe’s dedication has driven a positive change, despite opposition from those resistant to reform,” he added.
As part of efforts to revitalize education in Akwukwu-Igbo, the family of the late Diokpa Christopher Odinigwe Osakwe and Mrs. Comfort Oluchukwu Osakwe, led by Mr. Godfrey Chukwudifu Osakwe, Chairman of the Delta State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, sponsored Pink House (COO Osakwe) in the competition.
Mr. Osakwe stated that their sponsorship was a tribute to their parents’ legacy of unity, perseverance, and excellence.
“This event is more than just a sporting competition; it is a celebration of sportsmanship, determination, and the enduring spirit of togetherness that our parents embodied. We hope that Pink House and all the competing houses will inspire students to strive for greatness, support one another, and uphold values of fairness and teamwork,” he said.
The Inter-House Sports Competition also underscored the urgent need for modern educational infrastructure in Akwukwu-Igbo. Concerned stakeholders are calling on all levels of government—local, state, and federal—to prioritize this crucial investment for the socio-economic development of the community.
Key areas for improvement include:
- Modern classrooms equipped with up-to-date learning aids.
- Well-equipped sports facilities, including a standard football pitch and track-and-field infrastructure.
- A youth ICT hub to provide digital skills training.
- Enhanced school amenities to create a conducive learning environment.
As the headquarters of Oshimili North, Akwukwu-Igbo deserves better infrastructure to support the educational growth of its children. The time for action is now.
While the government has a role to play, community members must also step forward. Progressive individuals and organizations should collaborate to drive meaningful development. By investing in education, sports, and youth empowerment, Akwukwu-Igbo can secure a brighter future for its children and generations to come.
