Religious groups and other Faith-based organizations have been lauded for their immense contributions towards the development of the education sector,through the establishment of Primary and Secondary schools in the country.
The Special Adviser to Imo State Governor on Imo Orientation Agency, Chief Dr Fidel Onyeneke made the commendation on Monday, at the Graduation and Award Giving ceremony of Peace College,New Owerri, Imo State.
Chief Onyeneke stated that the Church had provided veritable platforms for the average citizen to acquire quality education at affordable costs.
The Special Adviser who was the Chairman of the event, hailed the Anglican Diocese of Owerri, for its interest in imparting knowledge to the masses, thereby complimenting the efforts of the Imo State government in this direction.
He observed that the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma had made remarkable investment in education, as a deliberate effort to uplift the literacy level of the citizenry.
Onyeneke who described education as the bedrock of societal emancipation,urged the students to shun all acts of indiscipline which had posed a serious threat to peaceful coexistence and unity in the country.
He regretted the increasing rate of cultism,homosexuality,drug abuse and rape among other vices,which had infiltrated deeply into the Primary and Secondary schools to the detriment of the rightful up bringing of the young persons.
He therefore urged the Management and Staff of the Colleges to restrategise,and fashion out the best ways of training the Students,so that they would not be led astray.
Onyeneke urged the teachers to lead by example and avoid all acts that would constitute negative influence to the children.
In his address,the Principal of the College,Rev Simon Uwandu admonished the graduating students to go into the world with the aim of achieving the best,while remaining worthy Ambassadors of the
Institution.
Rev Uwandu advised them to be hardworking, productive and obedient to constituted authorities as patriotic individuals.
The Principal thanked the Proprietor of the College and the Anglican Bishop of Owerri Diocese ,the Right Rev Chukwuma Opara for his relentless efforts towards enhancing the status of the schools owned by the Diocese.
Prizes were presented to some deserving graduating students,while awards were presented to selected prominent persons including former Principals of Peace College.