Vice-Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 elections, Peter Obi, has stressed the need for increased access to formal education for all Nigerians irrespective of gender or economic status.
Mr Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, stated this during the 25th anniversary celebration of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), Federal College of Education (Technical) Umunze, Anambra State, held recently at Dr Alex Ekwueme Auditorium.
He said that high literacy level would create a knowledge economy that would drive positive change in national development.
Obi, who was the special guest of honour at the event, urged tertiary institutions nationwide to remain steadfast in their commitment of providing quality teaching for students at all levels, noting that investment in knowledge yields the greatest interest.
He further charged students not to derail in their mission as tomorrow’s leaders but to channel their youthful energies in the pursuit of programmes that would enhance the greatness of the nation.
Obi, represented at the event by the Dean of Social Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and first female professor of Mass Communication in Nigeria, Prof Chinyere Okunna, described education as the best legacy for a child.
In his keynote address, former governorship candidate in Anambra State and Chief Executive Officer, Orient Group of Companies, Godwin Ezeemo, urged youths to concentrate on important issues that would build a better future for themselves and create a better society.
He stressed the need for Nigerian youths to lead the campaign to end the culture of insensitive leadership and disregard for the plight of citizens in the country.
“The society in which we live needs youths who are determined to pursue a life of excellence and be able to build a good future and a sustainable legacy for themselves, their children and generation yet unborn. Crime, peer pressure, parent’s failure and corruption are the simplest diseases that have made a lot of youths to become useless today.
“Therefore, I encourage you to shun them all and be the best among equals, so that tomorrow, you will have a testimony for your children and the society at large,” he said.
The colourful event chaired by the chairman of Orumba South LGA, Raymond Onyegu, had in attendance the chairman, 6th Governing Council of the College, Philips Shekwo; his wife, Grace Philips; lawmaker representing Orumba South in Anambra State House of Assembly, Emmanuel Nwafor; the President General, Umunze, John Akanyeonu, members of staff and students of the college.
