By Ndidiamaka Ede
The Executive Chairman of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, one of the 17 Local Government Areas of Enugu State, Obiora Obaegu has pledged a bursary award to Isi-Uzo students studying at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, (UNN).
Obaegu made the pledge at the cultural day celebration of National Association of Isi-Uzo Students (NAIS), here he also donated the sum of N500, 000 to the association.
He said, “We are here to identify with our people today. UNN is an institution I am proud of; I am happy at what I saw; we are recognising you in a special way, the government will continue to support you in all you do.”
He also enjoined the students to be serious with their studies, noting that education would make them better citizens.
He explained that though it is not easy to be a student as he was once one, and still a student as learning is a continuous process, “they should be serious with it because it is a platform that will lead them to the government and their future.”
The man charged: “You are our ambassadors in UNN and other institutions, so know that what you are doing today will not only make you good citizens of Isi -Uzo and Nigeria but will help you make more impacts in our society.”
He urged the students to strengthen the call, continue being their brother’s keeper and represent the Local Government well. “Continue also to promote our culture. We will continue to support you in any way we can”, he reiterated.
The Council boss who received an award of honor from the association, for his contributions and support for the association, also acknowledged the fact that the son of Isi-Uzo, Michael Abuchi, is the current SUG president of UNN, and encouraged him to continue being the best.
In an interview with Daily Sun, the SUG president emphasized the importance of culture and identity, urging Isi-Uzo students and every other student in UNN to always identify with their people.
On the reasons behind the event, the President of NAIS, UNN Chapter, Stephen Ugwu, who is also the Special Adviser to the chairman on student’s affairs described the event as a ground to showcase Isi-Uzo culture and instill in the students the spirit of being proud of their people.
According to him, “some students were born and brought up elsewhere, so such people need to feel what Isi-Uzo culture is like. He explained that for this reason, they considered incorporation of activities like wrestling, breaking of cola nut, cutting and eating of yam, coronation of Igwe and Lolo , cultural dance and other cultural activities into the event. He appreciated everyone who made it to the event and explained that National Association of Isi-Uzo students is an umbrella body of Isi-Uzo students all over Nigeria and urged every student from the area to join the association.
At the event which was scheduled for 12 noon, but started officially at about 3pm, the newly elected leaders of the association nationally, led by the president, Nnaemeka Ani, were given certificates of return. Also was the coronation of the new Igwe and Lolo of NAIS.
Other dignitaries present were the Deputy Chairman Of Isi-Uzo, Hon. Ogechukwu Nnamani, Barr. Azubuike Odo,(Secretary), former PDP chairman of Isi-Uzo, Hon. Benjamin Ebe who broke the kola, leader of the legislative council, Hon. Irenus, Chief of staff, Hon. Godwin, Mr. Gabriel Ugwu, PDD women leader, former and current ward councilors, former and current supervisors among others.