By Samuel Ogude
Austin Epadi Igbuku Light On Foundation has empowered students of Isoko Nation with educational materials such as note books, and different awards. The programme which took place in Aviarà in Isoko South Local Government Area recently attracted dignitaries from all walks of life.
In his address, Dr Austin Igbuku who is the founder of the foundation, said the foundation is non- profit and non- governmental organization that was launched on the 4th of May 2009 with the sole objective of not only sustaining the education legacy of the late father that so loved education before he died but develop the next generation of leaders from Isoko Local Government Area who are to become the leaders in the country .
He said the foundation has wards to recognize outstanding academic and leadership performance by students from lsoko Nation adding that, since the inception of the foundation, it has given awards to great minds and talent students/teachers within lsoko Local Government Area saying ,this year’s marked the fourteen years award ceremony.
According to him, recognition award is also presented to teachers with the most significant impact through mentoring and guidance of students from all schools selected.
He said:” The foundation is aimed at developing the next generation of leaders for Isoko Local Government Area and up coming leaders of Nigeria as a whole”.
Dr Igbuku said, this year’s (2023) ceremony covered 20 schools among which are Aviara Secondary Commercial Schools, Aviara, Adams Memorial Araya, Abiogu Grammar School, Ewhokpaka, Uzere Grammar School,Enwhe, Irri Grammar School,Irri,Idheze Grammar School, Idheze ,Okpe Grammar School,Okpe, Emiye Girls Grammar School, and Uro Grammar School Uro.
According to him, besides the above, the foundation encourages an English speaking competition among invited schools aimed at promoting fluent communication in English language for purpose of effective communication.
The renowned educationist therefore thanked those who have been of immense supports and contributions towards the foundation since its inception which, according to him, has made it achieve its mandate for the past four years.
Speaking on the topic:”Building Resilience: A Necessary Tool For Life And Career,” Mrs Amadhe Bernice Ogho said to attain prominence in academic career and life generally, one needs to be determined and ready to succeed adding, for every student to succeed, he must not give up whenever he comes across challenges in the pursuit of education since, according to her, challenges are part of life.
Her words:” No successful person you see in the society today that did not pass through one challenge or the other, all is about resilient” The lecturer who passed her message through past stories she has witnessed, admonished students to work hard if they must succeed in life.
Mr Ojo Akin –Longe who spoke on the topic: ” Importance Of Quality Education In Today’s Clime” said, there is no short cut to success in life adding that, for any student to attain prominence, he must work hard as nobody that is popular in the world today that did not work hard.
He therefore charged the students to take their studies seriously and stop thinking about short cut to make money. He said, they shouldn’t be deceived that education is a scam and be involved in fraudulent activities such as internet fraud popularly called Yahoo which is prevalent in the society today.
Others who spoke in the ceremony included Mrs . Ekelemu P.E. who dwelled on the importance of the foundation for humanity, among others
The ceremony which featured a novelty match between Emede Grammar School and Aviara Secondary Commercial School which saw Emede scoring Aviara 1 goal, climaxed with cultural dances , presentation of notebooks to Aviara students in JSS 1 and 2 and prizes/awards to winners (students) involved in discourse competition.