In a fervent call to action, the Isoko socio-cultural group, Okugbe Enyaharo Emo Isoko Initiative, popularly known as Enyaharo Isoko, has urged both the federal and state governments to reinvigorate technical education in Nigeria.
The group passionately asserted that this revival should encompass substantial funding for existing institutions and the establishment of new ones. Additionally, Enyaharo Isoko emphasised the imperative of prioritising technological innovations as a means to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on costly imported technology.
Mr. Amos Iwary, the President of Enyaharo Isoko, made these demands on behalf of the group during a significant event held on Sunday, September 24, 2023. The occasion celebrated the exceptional academic achievements of three young Isoko talents. Miss Orevaoghene Whiskey of Topfaith International Secondary School in Akwa Ibom achieved a remarkable feat by scoring straight 9-As in her WAEC result. Similarly, Miss Michelle Ogheneserome Amarie of Lead-Forte Gate College in Lagos earned straight 8-As in her WAEC examination. The third luminary, Master Favour Oghenero Anthony, an SS2 student at James Welch Grammar School in Delta State, took innovation to new heights by constructing and successfully test-flying an airplane and a drone.
Mr. Iwary passionately emphasised, “Federal and state governments should recognize Oghenero as a scientific asset that must be cherished and nurtured as an inventor and innovator. He represents the future of Nigeria’s technological advancement. There are many more like him, and we must not treat them as we do medical doctors who leave for foreign shores due to inadequate working conditions. Oghenero and his peers hold the key to Nigeria’s development. We call upon the Federal Government, Delta State Government, and the two Isoko Local Governments to do more for education. Scholarship boards should be revitalized and generously funded to support bright students like these young talents.”
He further implored, “I urge the Federal Government to breathe new life into technical education facilities across the country and provide dedicated funding. This will enable scientific minds like Oghenero to be mentored to produce the technology that Nigeria urgently requires. Nigeria needs technology hubs where prodigies like Oghenero can work on creating the gadgets we currently import from China and Asia. Nigeria would greatly benefit from looking inward. Oghenero and his peers have the potential to make Nigeria truly great. We must pay closer attention to their talents and harness them for our collective benefit.”
As a token of appreciation, the awardees received N200,000 each and a commemorative plaque. Chief Emmanuel Eke, a friend of the Isoko community, generously augmented their cash rewards with an additional N300,000.
The Chairman of the Award Committee, Mr. Longley Evru, an advertising expert and alumnus of James Welch Grammar School, Emevor, expressed immense excitement about honoring these young achievers and encouraged other youths to follow in their footsteps. President of Egweya Isoko Worldwide, Chief (Mrs.) Josephine Ovuorie, expressed her delight at being part of this historic event and expressed her hope for more such celebrations of Isoko excellence in the future.
The father of one of the recipients, Mr. Ernest Amarie, voiced his joy at the recognition of his daughter and two other outstanding youths. He commended Enyaharo Isoko for inspiring a culture of hard work among the youth, believing it will undoubtedly yield rewards. Amarie also underscored the importance of unity among the Isoko people and their collective efforts toward development. He praised the spirit of togetherness and excellence that this celebration represented and offered prayers for the continued progress of Enyaharo Isoko, the Isoko nation, and Nigeria as a whole.