EKWUSIGO SHOWCASES VOCATIONAL EDUCATION GAINS AS PUPILS, STUDENTS DISPLAY SKILLS AND TALENTS

By Gloria Onyeanusi Ekwusigo

The commitment at Ozubulu of Ekwusigo Local Government Area to vocational education and talent development took the spotlight during the 2026 Children’s Day celebration as pupils and students from public schools showcased remarkable creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial skills.

The event, held at the Ekwusigo Local Government Secretariat, Ozubulu, attracted pupils, students, parents, teachers, community leaders and other stakeholders who gathered to celebrate the achievements of young learners and the council’s growing investment in practical education.

Beyond the traditional match past, cultural displays and entertainment associated with Children’s Day celebrations, this year’s event featured exhibitions and competitions designed to demonstrate the impact of vocational education programmes recently introduced in public schools across the local government area.

Speaking at the event, the Mayor of Ekwusigo Local Government Area, Hon. Chimezie Obi, said the council’s investment in education extends beyond classroom learning to equipping children with practical skills that would prepare them for future opportunities and economic self-reliance.

According to him, skill acquisition programmes have already been introduced in the six public secondary schools in the area, while plans are underway to deepen vocational education across both secondary and primary schools.

“Children are the strength, creativity and hope of today. The future of our society depends on the quality of investment we make in them. We are not only celebrating children today; we are celebrating the dreams, talents, intelligence and greatness embedded in every child in Ekwusigo,” Obi said.

He explained that the initiative was aimed at exposing young people to productive skills from an early age, enabling them to discover their talents while complementing academic learning with practical knowledge.

The impact of the programme was evident as pupils and students participated in vocational demonstrations and talent exhibitions, including live cloth making and shoe making competitions that drew admiration from guests and education stakeholders.

At the end of the contests, Master Anamasonye Victor of Zixton Secondary School, Ozubulu emerged winner in the shoe making category, while Master Jeremiah Stephen of Community Secondary School, Ozubulu secured first position in cloth-making.

The two winners received sewing machines and cash prizes of ₦50,000 each in recognition of their outstanding performances. Their instructors were also rewarded with ₦200,000 each for their dedication to mentoring and nurturing vocational talents among the students.

Earlier, the officiating priest, Rev. Fr. Everistus Mmuoghalu, announced the results of the various competitions conducted during the celebration, announcing that 74 schools participated in the match past parade.

In the primary school category, Unity Model Nursery and Primary School, Oraifite emerged overall winner, while Santa Maria Secondary School, Ozubulu took first position among secondary schools.

Parents, teachers and community leaders commended the local government for integrating skill acquisition into public education, describing the initiative as a strategic investment capable of producing a generation of confident, creative and entrepreneurial young people.

They noted that exposing pupils and students to vocational skills at an early stage would help prepare them for future careers and encourage self-employment.

In his closing remarks, Hon. Obi urged the children to remain committed to their studies and personal development, assuring them of the council’s continued support.

“Keep learning, keep growing and keep making Ekwusigo proud,” he advised.

The celebration underscored Ekwusigo Local Government’s determination to build a future where pupils and students are equipped not only with academic knowledge but also with practical skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.