By Sam Akadoro Special - Sapele
In an attempt to reward positive virtues, spirit of handwork and excellent service to the school an society at large, New Era Model Schools, Effurun, recently presented various prizes to students and teachers, who excelled and distinguished themselves in the academic session. Dignitaries who have contributed to the success stories of the school and society at large were also rewarded.
Some of the dignitaries included Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Alpokhai, St Dikeji Miyerijesu, Chief and Mrs P. Akaigbe, Mrs Tina Ewegbe, Pastor Ferdinand Ebubon, among others for their inspiration and support towards the development of the school.
While speaking at the 20th anniversary and 18th graduation ceremony of the school, the proprietress, Dr Anne Bazuaye Ekwuyasi, noted that the various awardees and dignitaries encouraged and supported her at critical an challenging moments, with the advise and financial support as well as words of encouragement that saw her through some trying times.
“We started operations at our temporary site; it was a rented apartment where during rainy season, we waded through muddy flood water to get to school. But today we can assert with pride and confidence that New Era Model Schools have come of age,” said the proprietress Bazuaye also congratulated the outgoing students, saying that they were hard working. She also used the occasion to sing a song of thanksgiving to God for the grace all through the past 20 years.
She said New Era schools have been able to acquire a large expand of land and structures in Effurun. She added that the schools have been blessed with intelligent students, adding that he pupils are expected to attain greater heights in the future if they do not relent in their pursuit excellence. According to her, the schools have adequate facilities and equipment to compete with the best schools in the state.
Chairman of the event, Mr Gregory Akpokhai, while congratulating the graduating students, also commended the staff and students of the schools for maintaining high standard in their work.
He prayed that the school would always go from strength to strength.
Other dignitaries who were present at the event included Gen D.O Oneya (Retd), Chief B.M Jokoh, Rev Fr Ambrose Onyewuchi, Elder Jonathan Atiri, Greg Ikpinosa, among others.
Atiri, while addressing newsmen, also congratulated the graduating student, urging them to work hard and be humble at all times. He noted that there is more the government can do to encourage education and promote reading culture among students.
“The government has to train an retrain teachers before that can impart knowledge to the students. It is like we should begin from the beginning,” he said.
Dr Godwin Kpoibiye, who was also present at the event, noted that there is more work to be done in the education sector.
“The government can always collaborate with the private sector and bring about good education to our children, but we can not leave the education of our children to the government alone with the population increasing every day,” he added.
During a lecture at the event entitled “Education: The only legacy for enduring knowledge”, the guest lecturer, Prof E.P Oghuvbu, noted that educated people will always remain relevant to their family, self and society.
During the holy mass to mark the event conducted by Rev. Fr Ambrose Onyewuchi, the parents were also advised to watch their wards, especially their phones, as social media was said to be capable of bringing many negative trends.
Fr Ambrose Onyewuchi also prayed for the graduates, teachers and Uvwie community, especially as 2015 draws near. Meanwhile, as the result of the 2014 local government election in Delta State continue to shape events in the state and 2015 general elections draw near, the people of Agbarha-Otor Kingdom in Ughelli North Local Government Area have become strong politically as Prof. Sam Ibodje and Chief Chris Ominimini were elected and a PDP national leader and deputy national leader of Agbarha-Otor Kingdom respectively. In order words, both of them are now the political leaders of Agbarha-Otor wards I and II.
Speaking at the general meeting meant for only Agbarha-Otor sons and daughters, Chief William Ukpebitere, who is presently the PDP political leader of Agbarha-Otor ward II, said he convened the meeting of Agbarha-Otor sons and daughters to to strengthen the unity of Agbarha-Otor people generally.
He explained further that apart from strengthening the political and social unity of PDP, the only political party in Agbarha-Otor Kingdomthat the people may also know who is their present national political leaders towards making Ughelli North Local Government election 2014 and 2015 general election a huge success in favour of Agbarha-Otor political progress in order to usher-in development and good leadership in the kingdom.
According to Prof. Ibodje, henceforth, political factions should end and everyone, big or small, no matter the position of the person in society should work together with one voice in order to deliver Agbarha-Otor votes to the agreed candidates as only those who are loyal and honest, who are also tested and trusted persons in Agbarha would be given the opportunity to represent the people of Agbarha-Otor.
He thanked those officeholders that were present on the occasion and they included Chief Ominimini, Chief Idogun, Engr. Christabel Oke Obuvwevbi and many others for sacrificing their time to the benefit of Agbarha people and her future.
Chief Ominimini in his own statement, attributed unity of Agbarha Kingdom to the God doing and to the humility, honesty, hard work and respect for one another as well as transparency of the present political leaders and good representation of officeholders of sons and daughters of Agbarha Kingdom. He called for unity of purpose to enable for the movement of Agbarha Kingdom to the Promised Land.
The post When New Era rewarded achievers appeared first on Daily Independent, Nigerian Newspaper.