• Advocates govt’s support for grassroots sports

By Patrick Aigbokhan

The Proprietor of Double Edge School, Ogba, Lagos, Pastor Ken Ikeokwu, has called on the Federal Government to prioritise the growth and development of grassroots sport in the country’s agenda as part of its measures to encourage talents among young citizens, and to support private schools in infrastructure and facility development.

He made the call at the 2026 edition of the school’s inter-house sports event held recently at the African Church Primary School, Ifako-Ijaiye, Lagos.

He said, “Our plea to the government is to prioritise grassroots sports development, with particular emphasis on the urgent need to support private schools in infrastructure and facility development. Whilst public institutions often receive attention and funding, private schools play an equally vital role in nurturing young talent and fostering a culture of sporting excellence.

“These schools are where future champions are discovered and cultivated, yet they frequently face significant challenges in accessing resources and facilities. Government intervention is essential to ensure that private schools are not left behind and can contribute fully to national sports development.”

Pastor Ikeokwu, who is also the General Overseer of The Advancement Place, a growing Pentecostal church in Ogba, Lagos, Nigeria, noted that the provision of standard sports facilities and equipment specifically targeted at private institutions will enable pupils to train in safe and inspiring environments. He also pointed out that training and development opportunities for physical education teachers in private schools will ensure high-quality coaching and mentorship.

According to him, “There is a dire need for access to safe and functional playing fields, which are often lacking in privately run schools. Support for inter-school competitions and talent development programmes that include and empower private school pupils should be put into consideration, as well as policies that encourage early identification and nurturing of young athletes within private educational settings.

“If the government invests more in school sports and ensures private schools are adequately supported, Nigeria will naturally produce more world-class athletes and create meaningful opportunities for young people nationwide. It is imperative that all schools, regardless of their funding model, have equal access to resources and programmes that promote sporting achievement and holistic development.”

The Double Edge proprietor explained that the Inter-House Sports event is an integral part of the school’s identity, embodying dedication to holistic education.

“Far more than simply an athletic competition, it serves as a platform to develop essential qualities such as character, teamwork, discipline, confidence, and healthy competition among our pupils. Through participation, children learn valuable life skills, which contribute significantly to their overall development,” he said.

In his address at the event, Mr. Idowu Osodipe Oladapo, HOD, Education, Ifako-Ijaiye LGA, who was ably represented by his Assistant, Mr. Makinde Muyiwa, emphasised the need for encouragement of sporting activities in the institutions of learning as part of measures to encourage growth and development of mental and physical health among the pupils.

The Special Guest of Honour, Rev. Lawrence Onoche, General Overseer, The King’s Heritage church, Ogba, Lagos, Nigeria, encouraged the students to put in their best with their God-given talents to make the best of the games at the inter-house sport to make their schools and parents proud during the competition.

He also urged parents and the school authority to always make every available means possible to create awareness of the talents inherent in the pupils to help them make their dreams come through, through their sporting abilities.

At the event, which ended with a huge success, the Yellow house emerged overall winner in the sports games, while the Green and Red houses emerged first and second runners-up, respectively.

Double Edge School is a government-approved institution of boys and girls, creche, nursery, primary, as well as junior and secondary.

The school was established in September 2015 as a Creche, which metamorphosed into a full school in September 2016.