…As Gbandi Calls For Prioritisation Of Policies In Favour Of Children, Youths
Barr. Gift Iwegbu, has given scholarship to some persons and financial support to the participating school present at the 2025 Children’s Day Celebration in Akwukwu Igbo organized by the Akwukwu-Igbo Student Association (ASA), in Oshimili North Local government.
Barr. Iwegbu was ably represented by her husband, Chief Ikechukwu Iwegbu a notable community Chieftain and Executive Assistant to the Governor on Community Development.
Chief Iwegbu lauded the Akwukwu-Igbo Students Association for their bravery in nurturing the prospects of young minds, while appreciating the teachers and organizers for their tireless efforts.
In a gesture of goodwill, Barr. Gift Iwegbu, through her husband, extended providing a much-needed boost to the students and teachers alike.
This act of kindness has left a lasting impression on the community and the students are eagerly looking forward to more support in the future hence, he announced interest to aid support for the Independence day celebration for the Children.
On his part, the Chairman of the occasion, Hon. (Dr.) Kenneth Gbandi has urged parents, leaders and government representatives to prioritize policies and programs that benefit children and youths.
Gbandi pleaded for collaboration between community leaders and diaspora professionals to drive innovation and opportunity in Akwukwu-Igbo.
He charged stakeholders in the society to strive towards creating a thriving environment of love and peace for the children.
Gbandi said there was need for them to help support the children as they were the future leaders, innovators and nation-builders.
According to him, the Children’s Day offers a moment for Akwukwu Igbo to reflect on their responsibility and potentials to protect, nurture, and educate the younger generation.
While commending the organizers for taking initiative in community engagement and youth development, he encourages them to continue to organize programmes that promote education, civic values, and cultural identity among young people in Akwukwu Igbo.
In his remark, the Father of the Day, Chief Newton Jibunoh advised the children to aim towards a bright future and not be distracted by societal factors.
Speaking the Mother of the Day, Her Royal Majesty, Anthonia Obi Azuka said it was a thing of joy celebrating the future leaders, she advised the children the take their education serious so as to make it in life and appreciated the organizers for remembering their community.
On his part, the President of the Association, Mr Stanley Ogbolu enjoined the children to hold on to their dream as the future was bright, hence the need for them to stay focused in their education and be of good morals.
Ogbolu urged stakeholders to support to growth of the community as the investment they make in the children today will strengthen their future.
In his address, the Chairman of the planning committee, Amb. Patrick Ikebuwa said the competition was aimed at fostering healthy competition, promoting academic excellence and showcasing the talents of students from various schools in Akwukwu-Igbo.
Ikebuwa said “events like these play a significant role in shaping the minds of future leaders and promoting community development”.
He added that the competition will not only test the academic prowess of the students but also promote teamwork, sportsmanship, and camaraderie.
Highlight of the event was a resounding thanks to the generous support of Barr. Gift Iwegbu, a talk on the importance of education in contemporary society by Chief Ben Okonta; spelling bee competition, debates amongst others.
Present at the ceremony were staff, pupils and students from various schools in Oshimili North Local Government.
