By Harriet Ijeomah
Students across nursery, primary, and secondary schools within the Catholic Diocese of Okigwe, which spans six local government areas in Imo State and two in Abia State, gathered this June for the much-anticipated Annual Educational Week, a vibrant showcase of learning, talent, and community spirit.
The week-long event, which began in the first week of the second term, brings together catholic schools from Okigwe Diocese to compete, collaborate and celebrate the transformative power of education.
Rev. Fr. Ignatius C. Namodo, Chairman of the Organising Committee, highlighted the unique purpose of the programme: “It fosters interaction among schools across our diocesan communities, from the most remote villages to urban centres. This year, our students showed remarkable talents not just academically but also in entrepreneurship and innovation.”
From fashion designing, baking, knitting and shoemaking to creative arts and climate action through plastic waste recycling, students demonstrated practical skills and sustainable ideas that point to a promising future.
“These children are proving daily that quality education goes beyond classrooms. They are turning waste to reusable materials, acquiring practical skills and exploring business ideas even in under-resourced schools,” Fr. Chioma noted.
He appealed to the state governments of Imo and Abia to support schools in rural communities with better facilities and road access to boost educational development.
Very Rev. Fr. Isaac Onyeoziri Ogu, Chairman of the Education Commission, described the annual Education Week as an all-round experience for students. “We include competitions in football, match-past, and cultural dance alongside academics to help students identify their areas of strength, showcase talent, and build networks with peers from different communities,” he explained.
This year, more than 52 secondary schools and over 85 primary schools participated, despite the challenging road conditions that often make access to these remote communities difficult.
Also Dr. Fidelia Uketui, the Education Secretary of the Diocese and a judge at the event, commended the students for their outstanding performances. “Their confidence, neatness, and composure made it hard to pick winners. It shows that our Catholic schools continue to uphold excellent educational standards while shaping morals, attitudes, and character,” she said, encouraging parents to enrol their children in Catholic schools for holistic development.
The organisers call on development partners, donors, and state authorities to join hands in supporting mission schools across the diocese. Investments in rural education, they believe, will nurture future leaders and spur community growth.
Through football tournaments, scholarships for deserving students, and exhibitions of arts and crafts, Okigwe Diocese’s Education Week continues to bridge educational gaps and celebrate the limitless potential of young minds, even in Nigeria’s most remote communities.
