CHILDREN’S DAY: NKWOKA TO INTRODUCE SPORTS, ACADEMIC COMPETITIONS IN IDEMILI NORTH SCHOOLS…..LAUDS SOLUDO’S INVESTMENT IN EDUCATION, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO FREE WAEC REGISTRATION

By Uzo Ugwunze

The Mayor of Idemili North Local Government Area(LGA), Chief Stanley Nkwoka (Ochendo Idemili) has announced plans by his administration to introduce, promote organised sports and academic quiz competitions among primary and secondary schools in the LGA.

Nkwoka made the announcement on Wednesday during the 2026 Children’s Day celebration held at the Idemili North Local Government Secretariat, Ogidi.

He said the initiative aligns with the education and youth development vision of the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo aimed at promoting child welfare and nurturing future leaders.

According to the mayor, the proposed competitions are designed to encourage healthy rivalry among students, discover talents in sports and academics, promote unity and social interaction as well as build confidence and leadership qualities among children.

“We believe that education goes beyond classroom learning alone. Sports and academic competitions help to develop discipline, teamwork, creativity and excellence among young people,” Nkwoka said.

He commended Governor Soludo for what he described as massive investment and reforms in the education and healthcare sectors, particularly the introduction and sustenance of free education in public schools across the state.

“Under the visionary leadership of Governor Soludo, Anambra State has witnessed unprecedented reforms in the education sector. The free education policy has significantly reduced the financial burden on parents while increasing school enrolment and improving access to quality education for thousands of children,” he noted.

Nkwoka also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining free registration for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC) for selected students in public secondary schools across Idemili North.

“Education should never become a privilege only for the wealthy. Every child deserves the opportunity to pursue his or her dreams regardless of family background or financial condition,” he added.

The Chairman of the Idemili North Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Barr. Dr. Emeka Onuorah of Oraukwu commended the mayor for his commitment to the welfare and development of children.

He noted that the planned sports and academic competitions would help engage young people positively and discourage them from social vices.

“We thank the Idemili North Mayor for accepting to register WAEC for our school children. Sports and academic competitions will foster unity and encourage healthy competition among the youths,” the monarch said.

Also speaking, an aspirant for the Idemili South Local Government chairmanship under the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Hon. Oluchukwu Ilogbenu urged students to remain focused on their education.

“I encourage students to study hard and continue improving themselves because when we have better students, we have a better future,” Ilogbenu noted.

He praised Nkwoka for creating an enabling environment for learning and for aligning with Governor Soludo’s development agenda for education in the state.

Highlights of the Children’s Day celebration included a talk by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) on the dangers of indecent dressing, drug abuse and disobedience to parents and constituted authorities as well as match-past displays and cultural dance competitions involving both public and private schools.

At the end of the competitions, Ogbor Primary School, Ogidi emerged overall winner in the primary school match-past category, while Mercy Girls Secondary School, Umuoji won the secondary school category and also clinched first position in the cultural dance competition.

Ugwunze is of the Anambra State Ministry of Information, Anambra State