…says sports competition is a fertile ground for discovering raw talents
Ndi Anambra especially from the Non governmental and private sectors have been urged to invest in Children’s Sports for all round development and empowerment.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that
the call was made during the 2026 Interhouse Sports Competition held at Merchants of Light School (MoLS) Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area, Anambra State.
The Alumni Liaison Officer Old Boys MoLS Oba, Chief Ako Onugha stressed the need to rekindle the interest of children and people in sports by investing in grassroot and Interhouse sports.
“Sports has been neglected for some times now. Interhouse 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, etc could be included in subsequent Interhouse Sports,” Onugha said.
The Principal MoLS Oba, Mrs Joyce Uchendu in her welcome address, after expressing her gratitude for the sponsors of the interhouse sports, especially His Majesty, Igwe Engr. Augustine Emelobe of Oba described sports as an essential part of a child’s education and implicit part of academic curriculum that helps students exhibit their God-given talents. Hence, 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,” said Mrs Uchendu.
Moreso, the Zonal Director of Education, Post Primary School Service Commission, Ogidi, Mrs Nkiru Elosiuba said that 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.
According to Dr Kene Igboebisi an aspirant for the seat of the Federal House of Representative Idemili North and South Constituency and a co -sponsor of the 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 Interhouse 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. Wether it is through sponsorship, equipments, mentorship or organizing competitions like this,” Igboebisi said.
Earlier, the Occasion Chairman, Sir Felix Uzo PhD urged the students and staff of MoLS Oba to take full advantage of the Interhouse 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.
“May I at this point specially thank the Anambra 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 Ngozi Uchendu who is one of the best Principals in Anambra 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.
“Thank you immensely Madam Principal for all you are doing for us in this School You are lucky to come when the town is blessed with a traditional ruler, His Majesty, Igwe Engr. Augustine Emelobe whose top priority is education for all children of the community. With him, you will surely produce more geniuses here because greater number of geniuses come from parents who cannot afford school fees. But Igwe Emelobe has started scholarship for all Oba children in our schools,” said Uzor.
Also, Mr. Ikenna Onwughalu and Sunday Imo, Old Boys MoLS Oba 1998 set in their separate speeches called for more investment in school children’s sports because one can choose a great career in sports if harnessed and sponsored saying that not everyone must become a lawyer, Doctor or Engineer.
“Sports icons like JJ Okocha of Nike Boys’ School Enugu, Amokachi, Mary Onyali were discovered from grassroots and school Interhouse sports. We the Old Boys of MoLS have given scholarships, we may look into sponsoring talents discovered today to help them pursue their dreams in sports abroad”.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that
Lagos House took overall 1st position as winners of all the sporting activities while Sokoto House emerged winners from the match past.
