UGHELLI, DELTA STATE – Hon. Dr. Akpodiete Olotu JP, Executive Director of the Olotu & Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation, chaired the 3rd Annual Inter-House Athletics Competition and Send-Forth Ceremony held at Iwhreko Primary School on May 21, 2026, as students, parents, teachers, and invited guests gathered for a day of sporting activities and celebration.
The event, held within the school premises, brought together members of the school community in an atmosphere marked by excitement and encouragement, as pupils participated in various athletic competitions while graduating students were also celebrated.
Dr. Olotu Akpodiete attended the programme alongside Amb. Comr. Kpohraror Emmanuel, an old student of Iwhreko Primary School, whose participation organisers said reflected the growing importance of alumni involvement in promoting educational development and supporting younger generations.
Observers at the event noted that the attendance of former students and community stakeholders highlighted increasing efforts aimed at strengthening educational institutions through community partnerships and philanthropic support.
In her welcome address, the Headteacher, Chief Mrs. Eyamu, expressed appreciation to guests, parents, and participants for attending the programme and contributing to the success of the occasion.
She emphasized the need for parents to maintain active involvement in the academic lives of their children, noting that parental support plays a significant role in improving educational outcomes and helping pupils build confidence and motivation.
According to her, students tend to perform better academically and socially when parents participate actively in school-related activities and maintain close engagement with their educational development.
Chief Mrs. Eyamu also used the opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of the Olotu & Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation, thanking the organisation for its continued support and commitment toward the growth of the school.
Speaking as Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Dr. Olotu Akpodiete expressed gratitude to the management, staff, and pupils of the school for the reception accorded to him and members of his team.
He commended the school authorities for organising the annual event and noted that programmes such as inter-house sports competitions contribute significantly to the development of pupils beyond classroom activities.
Dr. Olotu stated that athletics and extracurricular activities help students discover and nurture hidden talents while promoting values such as teamwork, discipline, unity, determination, and healthy competition.
He further assured the school community that the Olotu & Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation would continue supporting initiatives aimed at improving education and empowering young people within the community.
The annual athletics competition also served as a send-forth programme for graduating pupils preparing to advance to the next stage of their education.
Education stakeholders present at the event described the ceremony as an important platform for talent development and community engagement, stressing that sustained support for educational institutions remains essential for youth development and long-term societal progress.
The event concluded with sporting contests, presentations, and celebrations involving students and guests, reinforcing calls for stronger collaboration between schools, parents, alumni, and community organisations in advancing educational growth in Ughelli and beyond.
