The 1st of October every year marks Nigeria’s proclamation of Independence from British Rule. Historically, in 1914, the Southern Nigeria Protectorate was combined with the Northern Nigeria Protectorate to create the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria, which has the borders of modern-day Nigeria. By the late 1950s, the call for independence of territories in Africa and the decline of the British Empire led to the country being granted independence on 1 October 1960 as the Federation of Nigeria.
His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, ably represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, alongside some state executive members and the good people of Enugu State, gathered at Michael Okpara Square, Independence Layout, Enugu to mark the 64th Independence of our great nation.
The Executive Governor, since assumption of office, has taken bold and committed steps towards putting Enugu State in the front burner, hence living out the administration’s mantra of ‘Tomorrow is Here’. Earlier, in his Independence message on air on Sunday, 29th September 2024, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah called on Nigerians, including political leaders across the country, to embrace unity and pursue inclusive national economic development for the common good of the nation.
Speaking on this year’s theme, “Education Reforms”, during the Independence Day Celebration at Okpara Square, His Excellency, the Governor of Enugu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, specified that the State Government is committed to continuing enhancing education and youth empowerment, with 33% of the State Budget allocated to Education. This allocation heralds the planned construction of 264 smart schools in the state, with the Owo Campus already completed and fully functional.
He also reiterated his promises to Ndi Enugu, promising to enhance his good governance delivery by adding more to the already existing life-transforming and economy-enhancing reforms of Infrastructural development, safety and secure environment, promotion of agriculture, industrial growth, skills development, energy and power supply, poverty alleviation, health sector reforms, gender and social inclusion.
Other highlights of the event were the address by the Hon. Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ndubueze L. Mbah, who noted the comprehensive reform of the Basic Education System, from Nursery 1-3 through Basic 1-9, featuring experiential learning and connected technology; a bold vision laid out by His Excellency, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, the Executive Governor of Enugu State.
The Hon. Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, in her message, called for people to remember that the future of the state and Nigeria lies in collective hands, praying that all should continue working together to create a nurturing environment for children, upholding their rights, and providing them with opportunities they need to build a prosperous and peaceful nation.
Also, in his message, SSA to the Governor on Education and External Relations, Dr. Obinna Muoh stated that Independence celebration provides an opportunity to highlight strides made and also create a reflection time on the nation’s journey in politics, economy, and social development.
The day was equally graced with a march past from over 120 primary, secondary, special needs, adult education, and the union of road transport workers, with a remarkable warm ending of an executive match past by the Hon. Commissioners and the Exco members present, saluting His Excellency.
The Match Past results produced Enugu Green Smart School, Govt. Sec School GRA, and Day Sec School as 1st-3rd among the mixed schools. Queens School Enugu and City Girls College came 1st and 2nd among girls’ schools. Uwani Secondary School, St. Patrick’s Emene, and College of Immaculate Conception clinched the 2nd and 1st positions, respectively, in the secondary boys category. In the Primary category, Independence Primary School came 3rd, Iva Valley Ekulu Primary school came 2nd, while Hilltop Primary School Ngwo took the golden trophy.
Indeed! Our Tomorrow is here.
MOI