The Women Ministry of the Anglican Diocese of Aguata has described the free education policy of Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo as a well-thought-out initiative that will guarantee a brighter future for the state’s children.
President of the Ministry, and wife of the Bishop of the Diocese, Mrs Chinyere Ezeofor gave the commendation while presenting her address at the 19th Aguata Diocesan Women’s conference held at Saint Mary’s Church Ogbunka in Orumba South Local Government Area of the state.
Soludo had last year, announced free education for pupils and students at the basic education level- primary and secondary classes, while Senior Secondary students are to pay the sum of N5,000 only.
According to Mrs Ezeofor, the state’s free education policy was a step in a positive direction and has provided indigent parents the opportunity to send their children to school to acquire sound and quality education.
“Education is a veritable tool that when explored effectively, can bring the children of the poor at par with their rich counterparts in future.
“Providing free education for Anambra children at the basic level, means that the governor places premium on the future of the children and wants those who are disadvantaged because of the status of their parents, not to lose quality education, just because they are not from rich homes.
“The reward for that policy, is what the state will reap in many years to come,” she posited.
Mrs Ezeofor who is the President of the Women’s Conference also hailed the governor’s massive investment in the education sector, especially the employment of over five thousand teachers for schools across the state, distribution of computers to teachers, reconstruction of classrooms, supply of educational materials under the Universal Basic Education, UBE initiative, among others.
Mrs Ezeofor further observed that the ongoing construction of roads across the state as well as the pace of work on the Ekwulobia flyover, were also commendable, as they will enhance vehicular movements and boost businesses.
She hailed the wife of the Governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo for using her non-governmental organization, Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo to reawaken the mindset of people especially women and children on a healthy lifestyle, calling for its sustenance.
Mrs. Ezeofor used the opportunity to call on the federal government to initiate more policies that will improve the living standards of the people
Declaring the conference open, the Anglican Bishop of Aguata Diocese and Patron of the Women’s Ministry, the Right Reverend Samuel Ezeofor who described the conference as one with multiple benefits, charged the participants to domesticate the knowledge they will garner at the conference in all their churches and communities to ensure a decent and God-fearing society.
Speaking on the theme of the conference, “God’s great task for the church; the great commandment”, Bishop Ezeofor urged Christians always to obey the commandments of God to inherit His Kingdom.
Moving a motion to accept the Presidential address as a working document in the diocese, Barrister Obiageli Erinne, described the address as apt and well-researched which will serve as a reference point. At the same time, Mrs Chizoba ChukwumaIke seconded the motion.
Some delegates, including the wife of the former Vice President of Nigeria, Mrs Ifeoma Ekwueme, Lady Uche Obi, among others expressed satisfaction with the theme of the conference, saying that it is a reminder to the faithful on the importance of God’s commandment in the life of any Christian.
Over 20 Bishops’ wives from sister Dioceses including the president of the Women’s Ministry, Ecclesiastical province of the Niger and Awka Diocese, Dr Chioma Ibezim attended the conference.
