Anambra state Commissioner for Education, Prof Ngozi Chuma-Udeh has urged students of English department of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam to take their studies seriously so they would not regret after graduation.
The Commissioner gave the advice at the occasion of Opuruiche Festival of Arts held at ETF auditorium of the university, which was artistically adorned with varieties of creative arts depicting the rich African cultural heritage.
She described the “Opuruiche Festival of Arts” as a homecoming for her and appreciated the Vice -Chancellor, Professor Kate Omenugha for the kind of academic environment she has fostered in the institution creating a kind of a nostalgia in her.
According to her, students of English department are known for class and good observers of ethical conduct, assuring them that they are in the right place if they are serious with their studies.
On his part, Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Mr Don Onyenji expressed delight in the cultural displays at the event and assured that his ministry will partner with the department with the support of the state government.
Earlier, Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kate Omenugha who dramatized some portions of Shakespeare’s book, Macbeth, noted that she was seeing a whole lot of potentials among the students who thrilled her with the dramatization of Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart.
Omenugha who thanked the students of the department for unveiling of “Ife-nkili”, A poetry collection in her honour, commended the Head of the department for the creativity, resilience and love he has for the university and urged members of the university community to continue to market the institution wherever they are.
In a welcome address, Head of Department of English, Dr. Ikechukwu Asika explained that the festival is the department’s little way of offering to support the Professor Omenugha’s efforts to increase the university’s visibility and promote her values.
He revealed Opuruiche is a reminder that they are unique and different and that uniqueness will some day lead them to their desired greatness as the festival will not be a one-off thing, pointing that they have the moral burden on them to ensure that they bequeath something beautiful to the next generation.
Chairman, Nigeria Advisory Board for Literature Prize, Professor Akachi Adimora -Ezeigbo said it is the first time globally that a department of a university is organizing festival of arts and commended the Acting Vice-Chancellor for being a very dynamic and disciplined woman of integrity.
The first reading was done by the traditional ruler of Obosi, Igwe Iweka of his latest publication titled, “Reflections of Hope” a collection of poems while the second reading was done by the Managing Director of Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency, ANSAA, Mr Odili Ujubuonu.
The activity-filled festival which featured colourful varieties of cultural displays had in attendance students and staff of the English department, guest secondary schools, universities, the academia, traditional rulers, writers, among others
The event also featured investiture of Chief Stanley Obodoagwu as Patron of the department, dramatization of Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart , launching and unveiling of the Maiden Edition of Opuruiche: A Journal of Creative and Critical Writing of the Department of English, presentation of awards, Igbo and Zulu cultural dances, among others.
