September 21, 2023
The Governor, Dr Alex Otti has reiterated his administration’s commitment in consolidating activities that promote sustainable development goals by creating an avenue for youth development, empowerment and educational sustainability programs.
Governor Otti stated this when a delegation from the International Human Rights Commission, IHRC, led by the National Co-ordinator, Special Monitoring Missions, Mr Elijah Echendu paid him a courtesy visit at Government House Umuahia.
The Governor represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba while enumerating the pivotal roles the education sector in the state is playing in shaping future leaders, innovators and change makers, described the theme for this years International Day of Peace as laudable.
The State Chief Executive while noting that education is not merely a means to acquire knowledge but also a powerful tool for instilling values of peace, empathy and respect within the society, stressed the need for all to partner government in driving policies that prioritize the safety and well-being of students, eradicate cultism, child labour among others.
He further commended the IHRC for being at the forefront of reorientating the mindset of Abia youths against drug peddling and abuse, cultism and involvement in nefarious activities, also promised to partner them in their programs.
In his address, the National Coordinator, Special Monitoring Missions, International Human Rights Commission, Mr Elijah Echendu said the IHRC is a non profit organization that specializes in peace negotiation and humanitarian aids.
Mr Echendu disclosed that they came to intimate the state government on their proposed program tagged “BACK TO SCHOOL CAMPAIGN” specifically designed for schools across the state to help build students with academic programs that will help promote educational qualities, discourage drug abuse and cultism, instill discipline, improve reading culture, discuss and equip them with leadership qualities as well as create an environment for gender equality and justice.
Contributing, the Strategic Communication Officer of the organization, Mr Fidelis Onakpoma disclosed that the campaign will be accompanied by donation of notebooks to students across the 17 LGAs of the state with an implementable network of IHRC Special Monitoring Mission in Nigeria.
He also solicited government’s partnership to enable them carry out the program effectively.
Correspondent Ugochukwu Ahuchogu reports that some top government officials were present during the visit.
