By Rev Fr Obiora Ike
The Headmistress of Udoka Nursery and Primary School, Awka, Mrs Stella Asiegbu, has described sports as a vital ingredient for the development of children. The Principal who disclosed this during the occasion of the school’s inter-house sports competition and send-off ceremony, Wednesday, February 25, 2026, said while academic work sharpened the mind, physical activities strengthened the body and built character.
‘Through sports our children learn important life values such as perseverance, patience, cooperation, leadership, and respect for rules. They learn humility and how to accept defeat with grace. These are lessons that will guide them, not only in school, but throughout their lives,’ Mrs Asiegbu said in her address.
Urging the pupils to continue giving their best by running with determination and supporting their teammates, the Headmistress reminded them that victory was not only in coming first but in trying their best and always respecting their teachers and officials.
She appreciated the parents of the pupils for their presence and what she described as unwavering support towards raising the children. She also commended the teachers for their dedication and effort in organising the event, remarking that their sacrifices behind the scenes made the event successful and memorable.
Mrs Asiegbu however appealed to the parents for support in such areas as the installation of ceiling fans, installation of solar energy and construction of a standard playground. She said the provision of such would improve the learning environment and overall development of the pupils.
The event had begun with a Holy Mass celebrated by the Manager, Fr. Cyriacus Ezeamaechi, after which action shifted to the field where Fr. Mark Ikeh, the former Manager of the school, led in the opening prayer and blessing of the Kola-nut.
The Chairperson, Lady Rose Eze, emphasized the importance of sports to human health and how fruitful it was in the education of children. He praised the efforts of the former Manager, Fr. Mark Ikeh, for raising the educational standard of the school and appreciated the diligence of the current Manager, Fr. Ezeamaechi, for sustaining the tempo.
The Sports Desk Officer, Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board, ASUBEB, Mrs. Anthonia Ifeoma Okoye, stated that the inter house sports was in line with the directives of the Universal Basic Education, UBEC and ASUBEB. She maintained that it was mandatory that every primary school should organize their inter-house sports event once in an academic year, especially in the second term.
The inter-house sports featured such competitions as march past by the various houses; sack race; egg race; 100 meter race; 50m race for nursery pupils and fill in the basket, with trophies being presented to the best three contingents.
The second phase of the event was the send-off ceremony and appreciation of the former Manager, Rev Fr Ikeh. The current Manager, Fr. Ezeamaechi, lauded what he described as the sacrifices and hard work of the outgone Manager, Fr. Ikeh, acknowledging his strides as massive and outstanding.
The school Management concretized their sentiments of gratitude by presenting a token to Fr. Ikeh.
In response, Fr. Ikeh expressed gratitude to God for sustaining his zeal and diligence throughout the course of his stewardship at Udoka Basic School. He thanked the Bishop, Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor, for deeming him worthy to manage the school. He also thanked the Cathedral Administrator for his support and guidance, just as he also thanked the two headmistresses he worked with during his tenure; Mrs. Rose Nwokolo, and, later, Mrs. Stella Asiegbu, for consolidating his efforts.
He further thanked the Parent-Teacher-Association, PTA, Chairman, Mr. Sunday Obi, and all the parents, for supporting the vision of the school financially and by way of suggestions.
Highlights of the event were the formal declaration of inter-house sports competition open by the Principal and the ensuing competition among the pupils.
Among the dignitaries Hon Kingsley Ikebudu, SSA, Youths, Sports and Special Duties, who represented the Mayor of Awka South LGA, Hon Prince Chinedu Okafor; Mrs Anthonia Okoye Ifeoma, ASUBEB Sports Desk Officer; PTA Chairman, Mr Sunday Obi; Chairperson, Lady Rose Eze; Mrs. Nworah Happiness, Chairperson Sports Committee, Udoka (St. Patrick’s) N/P School Awka; Comrade Egwuagu Chinwendu Eunice, Sports Desk Officer, Awka South L.G.A.; Mrs. Obidike Uzoamaka Angel, Sports Official Awka South L.G.A; and members of the PTA.
