By Emeka Ilozor
The Iyom Enugwu-Agidi Welfare Association (IEWA) has distributed educational materials to primary and secondary schools in Enugwu-Agidi, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, in a move aimed at cushioning the impact of economic hardship on families and supporting effective learning. The initiative, carried out through the Iyom Enugwu-Agidi Book Project, was unveiled on Sept. 25, at the field of Community Secondary School, Enugwu-Agidi.
Representing the Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ekene Ogugua, at the event, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Education, Hon. Oby Chiegboka, commended IEWA for supporting schools and contributing to the educational development of children in the community. Dr. Ogugua described the gesture as more than a donation of books, saying it represented knowledge, hope and opportunities for the younger generation.
The commissioner said education remained a major priority of the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, stressing that no child should be disadvantaged in school because of a lack of learning materials. He also expressed the state government’s readiness to partner with communities, non-governmental organisations and individuals committed to providing schools with the educational and writing materials required for effective learning.
The Traditional Ruler of Enugwu-Agidi, HRH Igwe Michael Chidozie Okekeuche, also underscored the importance of positive reinforcement in the education and upbringing of children. He referenced the American educational model, which he said emphasised early encouragement and positive reinforcement, noting that such an approach could strengthen students’ confidence, self-belief and willingness to learn.
Igwe Okekeuche also discussed the role of discipline in character formation, noting that traditional approaches to school discipline, including corporal punishment, had historically been viewed as tools for moral upbringing and character development. He, however, urged the students to embrace hard work and discipline while identifying and developing their individual talents and potentials, stressing that their progress would have an important bearing on the future of Enugwu-Agidi.
In her welcome address, the President of IEWA, Lady Felicia Anameze, represented by the Local Organising Committee Head, Dr. Obiageli Uchebo, Permanent Secretary, Ministries of Health and Information, said the future of the community was closely linked to the quality of education available to its children. She said the association was committed to equipping young people with the knowledge, values, discipline and skills needed to become responsible citizens and future leaders.
Dr. Uchebo described the book project as a demonstration of the community’s collective belief in its children and a commitment to taking shared responsibility for their future. She said education was not merely about obtaining certificates but about equipping children with the knowledge, discipline, values and skills required for responsible citizenship, adding that stronger educational outcomes would be achieved through collaboration among families, schools, communities and government.
She commended Governor Soludo for his interventions in the education and healthcare sectors, particularly the free education programme and free antenatal, delivery and post-natal services. According to her, the Otu Iyom Enugwu-Agidi Book Project was conceived to complement government efforts and ensure that children had access to basic educational resources despite the economic challenges facing families.
In their separate remarks, the Principal of St. John International College, Enugwu-Agidi, Lady Anthony Nwanekii, and the Head Student of Community Secondary School, Enugwu-Agidi, Miss Emmanuella Okoyeibe, appreciated IEWA for the initiative, describing it as timely in view of the rising cost of educational materials.
The event featured the unveiling of the book project and presentation of educational materials to participating schools, with the initiative expected to strengthen learning support and deepen collaboration among the community, schools and government in promoting quality education.
Emeka Ilozor is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
#Ministryofinformationandvaluareformation
#Informationiskey
#Solutionishere
