In a powerful address aimed at countering the growing sentiment among secondary school students in Delta State that education is a scam, the Olu of Warri Kingdom, HRM Ogiame Atuwatse III, has passionately called upon the youth to reject such notions and prioritize their educational pursuits.
Speaking at the inaugural seminar titled “The Future of the Warri Child,” organized by the CORA Care Foundation at the Brown Hill Centre in Ogunu, Warri, the revered monarch emphasized the vital role of education in securing a brighter future.
He was represented by Chief Wilson Edun Olley, the Aboludero of Warri Kingdom, who conveyed the Olu’s message with clarity and conviction.
“Don’t let anyone tell you education is a scam. Education is never a scam,” Ogiame Atuwatse III asserted, sharing his own journey of success as an engineer and the distinction of being the first to build a duplex in his village, underscoring how education played a pivotal role in his achievements.
During the event, the Olu announced the launch of the Atuwatse III Annual Inter-Collegiate Quiz/Debate Competition, set to kick off in January 2025. The competition aims to foster intellectual engagement among students, with a grand prize of N10 million for the winners. Additionally, he pledged to cover the WAEC enrollment fees for 100 students across various schools in Warri, a move designed to alleviate the financial burdens faced by families.
Prince Edema Collins Oritsetimeyin, the Olu’s Sole Representative and Liaison to NNPCL, also joined in the initiative, stating that he would pay the WAEC enrollment fees for 25 students. “This initiative is about empowering the youth for a sustainable future,” he remarked, expressing a desire to rekindle intellectual activities like quizzes and debates, which he believes are crucial for nurturing future leaders.
Reflecting on the decline of extracurricular activities such as Jet Club, Prince Oritsetimeyin attributed the rise of vices, including drug abuse and teenage pregnancy, to the lack of engagement opportunities for the youth. “We want to fill that vacuum with the quiz and debate competitions,” he insisted, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to youth empowerment.
Furthermore, he stressed the importance of retraining teachers to reignite their passion for teaching, noting their significant influence on shaping students’ futures. He praised the Olu of Warri for bringing “The Future of the Warri Child” initiative to fruition, a vision he had nurtured for 22 years.
Other speakers at the seminar, such as Eyemobe Mattu, Special Assistant to the Director-General of Security Matters and Coordinator of Operation Delta Hawk, urged students to steer clear of crime and develop vocational skills. Segun Manuel, MD/CEO of SMOGVILLE Solutions, echoed these sentiments, calling on the government to introduce modern vocational training programmes that equip students to tackle contemporary challenges.
