By Obianuju Umeh
The Mayor of Aguata Local Government Area, Dr. Chibueze Offorbuike has reaffirmed the council’s commitment to education with the commissioning of the Igbo-Ukwu Community Library, describing education as the foundation for growth and development in society.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Dr. Offorbuike said education remains “life and light” in Aguata, stressing that investments in the education of young people are invaluable and essential for societal progress.
He explained that the decision to establish the library was informed by the large number of schools within the area, noting that the facility would provide students with a productive learning environment, especially during holidays.
According to him, the library will help reduce idleness and social vices among children while encouraging a stronger reading culture in the community.
The Mayor expressed optimism that the project would serve as a model for other communities and inspire greater government investment in community libraries across the state.
He also urged the people of Igbo-Ukwu to protect the facility from vandalism and ensure its proper maintenance for future generations.
Dr. Offorbuike commended the Anambra State Library Board for its technical support in setting up the community library.
Also speaking, the Director of the Anambra State Library Board, Mrs. Obioma Obalum, described the commissioning of the Igbo-Ukwu Community Library as a significant step toward strengthening literacy, learning, and community development.
Mrs. Obalum praised the Aguata Local Government administration for investing in educational infrastructure and creating an environment that encourages reading and academic excellence.
She encouraged students in Igbo-Ukwu and neighbouring communities to make good use of the facility, revealing that the library is stocked with textbooks and educational materials needed for both internal and external examinations.
She noted that students now have greater access to learning resources and no excuse not to excel academically.
Commissioning the facility, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ekene Ogugua, described the project as more than the opening of a building, saying it represents a great opportunity for young people to learn, grow, and compete globally.
Dr. Ogugua said the Anambra State Government has continued to invest heavily in the education sector, expressing delight that the Aguata Local Government Chairman had joined efforts to support educational development through the library project.
He noted that although progress has been made, more still needs to be done, particularly in the area of digital learning, adding that the new facility is designed as an e-library to support modern education.
The Commissioner expressed confidence that the library would help students expand their knowledge, improve their learning experience, and prepare for future opportunities.
The event was attended by students, community leaders, stakeholders, and residents of Aguata Local Government Area.
Obianuju is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
