..as sch celebrates cultural week in grandstyle
By Prisca Nguzo
The Shekinah British International School (SBIS), Ihiagwa, Owerri West LGA of Imo State, on Saturday, November 15, concluded its annual Cultural Week with various cultural displays that stunned those in attendance.
The event which highlighted the school's tradition imbedded in holistic approach to education, also stressed the necessity of quality education as a means of attaining socio-economic objectives of the country.
In his address, the Proprietor and Managing Director of the school, Chief Dr. Obinna Smart Unegbu, noted that the cultural week was inspired by the need to promote cultural heritage which defines a people. "our culture is our identity. Our culture is our heritage, and our culture defines us. It's important and our duty to continue to nurture and promote our culture," he said.
He disclosed that SBIS prioritizes cultural values as an extracurricular activity, with special attention on the promotion of Igbo language which is spoken mandatorily on Fridays. He added that the gains of the exercise are manifest in the fluency of spoken Igbo among Nigeria resident and non-resident students.
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The MD, who insisted on quality education as important towards producing next generation of leaders, maintained that the school would not compromise on standards, but would always ensure that its students are holistically sound and globally competitive.
Unegbu, advocated for collaboration among educational institutions towards the promotion and maintenance of learning standards, while appealing to the federal and Imo State governments to intervene in bringing remedy to the deplorable condition of the Nekede/Ihiagwa Road, citing its importance to education activities and businesses.
"The road leading to this place is in a very terrible state despite the presence of two important federal institutions, including the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, and the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede.
"So, we are still appealing to our dear governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma to intervene. We appreciate his good works, but we expect His Excellency to graciously come to our aid by fixing the road before the end of this year as he has promised," the educationist noted.
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Earlier, the Principal of SBIS, Mr. Christian Modebe, promised an educative, entertaining and informative event that demonstrates the school's commitment to quality and holistic learning, while appreciating the Board, Management, Staff, students, parents and other guests for making the event a success.
Meanwhile, some of the parents who responded to questions from newsmen, hailed the SBIS cultural day for its positive impact on the students, calling for its sustenance. They also commendable the school for its commitment to academic excellence, adding that the promotion of cultural values in the school would impact discipline and responsibility among the students, while promoting unity.
Some of the speakers included, the President, Imo State Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Victor Okorie, the Dean, Post Graduate Studies, Imo State University, Owerri, Prof. Nwankwo Martins and Mrs. Nzewuihe Chioma among others.
Also, a student, Okorie Nlem Tochukwu, appreciated the school management for the event, asserting that the extracurricular activity had impacted the students with awareness and discipline to embrace and preserve the indigenous culture and language against foreign cultural dominance.
The event witnessed cultural displays and competitions by the students, including spectacular performances by Ohaofia Warrior Dancers and Walking-Stick Masquerade.
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