Emma Elekwa
Stakeholders in the education sector have stressed the need to invest in children’s sports for all round development and empowerment.
The call was made during the 2026 Inter-house Sports Competition held at Merchants of Light School (MoLS) Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The Alumni Liaison Officer Old Boys MoLS, Oba, Chief Ako Onugha underscored the importance of rekindling individuals interests, particularly children in sports by investing in grassroots and Inter-house competition.
“Sports has been neglected for some times now. Inter-house Sports competition is a fertile ground for discovering raw talents that could be recruited and developed into Nigerian or International sports persons.
“Sports is where the real money is. I hope that the schools improve with the right support from people so that track and field events like Javelin, shotput, discos, high/long/triple jump, pole vault, among others can be included in subsequent interhouse sports,” Onugha said.
Earlier, Principal MoLS Oba, Mrs Joyce Uchendu described sports as essential part of a child’s education and implicit part of academic curriculum that helps students exhibit their God-given talents.
All-round development
“This is the reason for including sports in the school annual program by Post Primary School Service Commission PPSSC in order for the students to achieve all round development.
“Presently sports no doubt has become lucrative and veritable professional tool of international politics and friendship amongst people of various backgrounds.
“Sports is not just for entertainment but also a sustainable and dependable means of livelihood.
“The list of men and women who have excelled through sports abound, from Nigeria to other countries,” she said.
The Principal expressed her gratitude for the sponsors of the interhouse sports, especially His Majesty, Igwe Engr. Augustine Emelobe of Oba.
Zonal Director of Education, Post Primary School Service Commission, Ogidi, Mrs Nkiru Elosiuba said sports as an extra curricular activity was part of learning and requires more sponsors from well meaning individuals.
“Anambra State Government has given free education. Interhouse Sports competition is an opportunity to catch raw talents.
“We need parents, philanthropists and people who will sponsor these young talents to stardom not just in Oba but every other community where we have primary and secondary school children,” Elosiuba said.
On his part, Dr Kene Igboebisi an aspirant for the seat of the Federal House of Representative Idemili North and South Constituency and co-sponsor of the
Sports is education
Lagos House that emerged winner, sports is not a distraction from education. Sports is education.
“When we invest in sports for our children, we are investing in human capital development.
“We are helping to build healthier minds, from their character, confidence, focus, leadership capability and their capacity.
“Many children discover their purpose, talent and future opportunities through this kind of Inter-house Sports platform.
“Unfortunately, too many talented children never get the support they need.
“Some may need encouragement, football kits, sports kits, mentorship, sponsorship for them to become exceptional.
“I therefore want to encourage more well-meaning individuals, community Leaders, parents and stakeholders to deliberately invest in Sports development for our children.
“Whether it is through sponsorship, equipments, mentorship or organizing competitions like this,” Igboebisi said.
Chairman’s remarks
Chairman of the event, Felix Uzo, urged students and staff of MoLS Oba to take full advantage of the Inter-house sports competition to learn and imbibe the culture of Healthy competition whereby participants play all games according to the rules and rejoice with whoever that excels.
“I thank the State Government for always allowing the Old Boys of this school to select and recommend who becomes the Principal of this School.
“It was this Government policy that made it possible for us to select and recommend this Mrs Joyce Uchendu who is one of the best Principals in the State to be posted to this school.
“No wonder, the glory of the school is fast returning back, one of which is this Inter house sports competition she has made possible today,” he said.
