Akwukwu-Igbo witnessed an exciting revival in school sports as Agbogidi Primary School, Oshimili North Local Government Area, held its 2025 Inter-House Sports Competition on March 27. The event, which brought together pupils, dignitaries, and sports enthusiasts, marked a significant turning point for the community.
The competition, which was held on the school premises, commenced with a colorful march past by the participating houses, followed by a series of sporting activities. At the end of the keenly contested activities, Red House emerged victorious, with Green House securing second place and Pink House third position.
In her welcome address, the Headmistress, Mrs. Margaret Osakwe, emphasised that the school sports programme aimed to promote physical and mental fitness, teamwork, and healthy rivalry among pupils. She expressed gratitude to donors and sponsors who have supported the school’s rebuilding efforts.
In a chat with Online News platforms, a concerned Akwukwu-Igbo stakeholder, Mr. Godfrey Osakwe lauded the reintroduction of inter-house sports, describing it as a step in the right direction for Akwukwu-Igbo’s education system.
“Sports play a vital role in the cognitive, mental, and physical development of children. Seeing Agbogidi Primary School gradually transforming into a disciplined, nurturing institution brings me great joy,” he said.
He commended Mrs. Margaret Osakwe’s leadership, highlighting her efforts in restoring discipline, improving learning conditions, and introducing moral instruction sessions.
“Indeed, before now, it was common to see pupils roaming the streets of Akwukwu-Igbo during school hours while teachers engaged in petty trading. Mrs. Osakwe’s dedication has brought about a positive change, despite facing opposition from those disinclined to change,” he added.
Honouring a Legacy: Rebuilding Akwukwu-Igbo together
As part of their commitment to reviving 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 of the event was a tribute to their parents’ legacy of unity, perseverance, and excellence. “This goes beyond a sporting event. It is about celebrating sportsmanship, determination, and the enduring spirit of togetherness that our parents embodied. We hope that Pink House and all the houses will inspire students to strive for greatness, support one another, and uphold fairness and teamwork,” he said.
Investing in Akwukwu-Igbo’s Future
No doubt, the School Inter-House Sports also highlighted the urgent need for modern school educational infrastructure in Akwukwu-Igbo. Concerned stakeholders in the community are calling on all levels of government, local, state, and federal to prioritise this crucial investment for the community’s socio-economic growth.
Essential developments needed include but not limited to the following:
Modern classrooms with up-to-date learning aids.
Well-equipped sports facilities, including a proper football pitch and track-and-field infrastructure.
A youth ICT Hub to equip young minds with digital skills.
Improved school amenities to foster a conducive learning environment.
As the headquarters of Oshimili North, Akwukwu-Igbo deserves better infrastructure to support its children’s education and future. The time to act is now.
While the government must step in, indigenes also have a role to play. Progressive individuals and organisations should come together in collaborative partnerships to drive development in Akwukwu-Igbo. By investing in education, sports, and youth empowerment, the community can secure a brighter future for its children and generations to come.