The Rivers State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in partnership with the Chief Monitoring Officers (COMOs) of Omuma, Khana, and Emohua Local Government Areas have kicked off a comprehensive school enlightenment programme across selected schools to mark the beginning of the new academic term.
The initiative is designed to equip students, pupils, and teachers with the knowledge and values needed for a productive school term.
Awareness during the kick off emphasized the importance of good morals, discipline, and a strong work ethic as the foundation for academic and personal success.
Topics addressed during the programme included consequences and prevention of drug abuse and exam malpractice, importance of personal hygiene, dangers of the get-rich-quick mentality as well as prevention of rape and sexual harassment.
Others were orientation and behaviour modification, National Value Charter, National Identity Project and immunisation of children.
The program reached students in several schools, including Anglican Mission School, Omuma; Government Secondary School, Emohua; and Primary School 1, Bori in Khana LGA.
Speaking during the outreach, Mrs. Victoria Ukaegbu, Head Teacher at Anglican Mission School, praised the initiative, stating that it “provides the moral compass students need alongside academic instruction.”
Mrs. Patience Miller, Chapel Mistress at Government Secondary School, Emohua, noted the timeliness of the campaign in addressing critical social issues affecting the youths.
Students were urged to stay focused, avoid distractions, and uphold integrity in their academic pursuits.
In a related development, the Chief Monitoring Officer paid a courtesy visit to Mr. Manager Ikechi Nwala, Sole Administrator of Omuma LGA to intimate him of the agency’s ongoing activities and to solicit collaboration from the local government.
The visit reinforced the importance of synergy between the monitoring agency and local government authorities to enhance the program’s reach and effectiveness.
The sensitisation programme is expected to continue throughout the term, with similar visits planned for additional schools across the state.
