ANAMBRA GOVERNMENT PARTNERS ASHOKA AFRICA TO REINFORCE CULTURAL VALUES THROUGH EDUCATION
By Ifeyinwa Ogwo :
The Anambra Government, through the Ministry of Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism and the Ministry of Education, in partnership with ASHOKA Africa, organized an innovative initiative aimed at incorporating cultural values into education. This effort is designed to inspire a new generation of changemakers in Anambra.
The program, hosted at the Secretariat Hall in Jerome Udoji Secretariat, Awka, focuses on promoting core Igbo values such as hard work, honesty, respect, and brotherhood.
During the event, the Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji, emphasized the importance of culture as a representation of the people’s way of life, as envisioned by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, who created the Ministry of Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism.
“We should take pride in our culture, which includes our language, attire, cuisine, attitudes, manners, and work ethic.
“It’s evident that Westernization has eroded some of our core values. The colonial era attempted to alter our way of living, leading to a disconnect among our youth. Many young people, especially the Gen Z generation, are unfamiliar with our traditions and values, which is concerning. Learning and speaking our language with pride should be a priority, as seen in countries like China, India, and even other parts of Nigeria.
“So our mission today is to reinforce our core values—hard work, respect for elders, brotherhood, honesty, and integrity—through our educational system and to combat the growing inclination towards shortcuts to wealth, fraud, and theft,” he added.
The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, represented by Permanent Secretary Dr. Ifeoma Agbaizu, expressed gratitude for the initiative, noting that it would help instill the spirit of hard work, honesty, integrity, diligence, and focus in students.
“Our generation has failed to impart these values to the current ones. In the past, if a 15-year-old bought an expensive car or item while still in school, parents would investigate the source of the money and ensure that their child returned it. Nowadays, many parents celebrate their children’s ill-gotten gains, contributing to the rise of cybercrime.
“Behavior—both good and bad—start at home, and many parents are too busy to monitor their children’s activities. It is our duty to teach them our core values and guide them through a proper educational path, avoiding shortcuts like exam malpractice,” she said.
She advised students to take their studies seriously and focus, reassuring them that they would excel in their endeavors.
Additionally, the Chairman of the Post Primary Schools Service Commission (PPSSC), Prof. Nkechi Ikediugwu, represented by the Director of Education Service, Mrs. Ogonna Onwuka, stressed that culture encompasses the entire way of life of a people. She said that Igbo culture is known for hard work, good reputation, modest dressing, honesty, and proper behavior—far removed from negative associations.
She encouraged students to spread this campaign back to their schools, to study diligently, aspire to become outstanding individuals, and take pride in speaking the Igbo language.
Mr. Okechukwu Uzoechina, Co-Leader of Ashoka Africa, highlighted that ASHOKA Africa is an international non-profit organization founded 42 years ago with the vision of making “Everyone a Changemaker.” The aim is to empower individuals, regardless of gender or age, with the confidence, freedom, and support necessary to identify and create solutions for the common good, addressing challenges and envisioning a better future.
“The Changemakers for Culture and Education (CACE) initiative is a transformative journey that seek to engage, inspire, and activate education and culture stakeholders in Anambra State. This initiative will equip young people, students, teachers, and adults with lifelong changemaking skills and a mindset focused on conscious, empathy-based living for the benefit of all.
“It will also foster new leadership, facilitate teamwork, and promote the practice of changemaking. Our global office is located in Virginia, USA, and we have hubs around the world, including Nigeria (Lagos), Kenya, Senegal, and South Africa,” he explained.
Miss Umeh Makuochukwu Destiny, the Head Girl of Anglican Girls Secondary School, Awka, described the program as enriching and educational, emphasizing its potential to address societal issues.
“I learnt that farming, crafts, and other lawful endeavors are dignified ways to create wealth. Unfortunately, some parents encourage their children to pursue cyber crime, known as ‘yahoo scam,’ which negatively impacts our society. It’s up to us to revive our culture and core values,” she concluded.
*Ifeyinwa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State