Stakeholders  have been urged to support development of education, especially in rural areas. The Director of News and Current Affairs Department of  the ABS, Mr Gab Okpalaeze made the call at Saint Stephen’s Secondary School, Nnokwa, in Idemili South Local Government Area,  during her 2019 annual Patrons and Prize giving day.

The event which was the third in the series was organized to celebrate
the efforts and numerous successes achieved by the school within the
period of 2018/2019 academic year.

It was also to appreciate the efforts of their patrons towards the progress of the school.

In his opening remark,  Mr Okpalaeze who is the chairman of the occasion 
commended those that support educational programmes and urged the students to be focused in their studies.
Mr Okpalaeze promised to spearhead the establishment of a Press Club in the school.

In their separate speeches, the Manager of the school Reverend Canon Michael Amaegbu and the Principal of the school, Engineer Ebele Onwugbenu, noted that the school has since  over five years of 
establishment lived up to  expectations  in learning, sports and other areas.

They commended the Governor Obiano led administration for its input in the Education Sector but stressed the need to step up efforts in addressing the issue of examination malpractice.      

On his part, the school’s Board Chairman, Professor Fred Ikediugwu while presenting an award of honor to Sir Simon Ukpaka as the life Patron of the school, encouraged him to continue his good work while  assuring  to always support the school to become the best both in character and in learning.

Receiving the award, Sir Ukpaka announced his adoption of the school
and promised  to accommodate the students with outstanding performance in their first sitting in Senior School Certificate Examination in  his Akachukwu Akonam Foundation University Scholarship Scheme. 

The best students in every subject from Junior Secondary School One to
Senior Secondary Two as well as the overall best graduating student in
every class during the occasion received prizes.

Mock broadcast news presentation, speeches, panel discussion, drama
and cultural dance by the students featured at the event.