BY JUDE OSSAI / ENUGU
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There was jubilation in Agbani headquarters of Nkanu-West Local Government Area of Enugu State last Friday as a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) known as Joycena Creative Minds Initiative (JCMI) brought an empowerment program to secondary school students, offering scholarships and other educational materials to them.
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Speaking at the event which attracted Dr Chinyere Onyeisi, Special Adviser to Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State on Education Innovation and Director of Experiental Learning Enugu Smart Green School, Hon. John Chukwuma Ogbodo, Chairman of Nkanu-West Local Government Council, among others, the Executive Director of JCMI, Joyce Princess Onah, said the A Day Young People’s Conference was themed “Igniting Potentials For Greater Nkanu-West.”
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Princess Onah recalled with nostalgia her experiences while growing up with her parents, stressing, “My education once on a sure path became fragile when my father’s business faced a terrible downturn.”
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Turning to the students, Princess Onah said, “Many of you see me standing here today and might think my journey was straight and easy: Let me tell you, it was not. I am a daughter of this soil, raised right here in Enugu State. My own story began with a bright dawn. My father was a hardworking man, and his efforts allowed me to attend one of the best nursery schools around. I dreamed big dreams, just like each one you of you sitting here.
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“But then the storms came. My father’s business faced a terrible downturn, and our family’s stability crumbled. This was not just about struggling with school fees. It was about survival. I had to do menial jobs like hawking, cleaning, anything I could find, to support myself and my family. The unthinkable happened: I had to drop out of school twice.
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“The first time was to work and save just enough to return. But even then, I was that student you would see running from class to the market, my books on one hand and goods to sell on the other. Then, a deep blow fell: my beloved father became critically ill. With my mother by his side in the hospital, the weight of the world felt like it was on my young shoulders. School became a distant luxury, and I dropped out again.
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“The consequences were more than just missing lessons. I felt a deep sting of shame and isolation. I was stigmatised and looked down upon by my peers. I felt my future slipping away. But in that darkness, a tiny ember of determination refused to go out. During my time away from school, I worked, I saved, and I fought to register for my GCE exams.
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“But the turning point, the lesson that birthed JCMI, came later. When I finally learned a marketable skill, everything changed. That skill became my lifeline. It paid my way through university. It gave me back my dignity and my confidence. It showed me that even when the traditional path of education is broken, you are not broken. You can build your own path.”
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“My story is one of falling down, yet rising up. It is a story of scarcity, and also of abundance found within myself. I stand here today not as a victim of my past, but as an architect of my future, and I am committed to helping you architect yours”.
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Dr. Chinyere Onyeisi, the Key Speaker took a session entitled: “Positioning for Global Awareness and Digital Literacy Through Digital Identity and The Right Mindset”, Special Adviser on Education Innovationand Director of Experiental Learning Enugu Smart Green School to Barr. Peter Mbah the Executive Governor of Enugu State. Dr Chinyere Onyeisi, noted, that “In today’s fast changing world, digital literacy is no longer a luxury. It is a language of survival.
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Onyeisi further stated, “The young people of this generation are standing at intersection of technology, innovation and global transformation. Yet, in this era of limitless opportunities, the greatest challenge is not access to devices, but the mindset with which we engage the digital world.
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The Special Aide to the governor charged the students to position themselves globally, urging them to think beyond borders, learn other cultures, trends, and technologies.
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“Build digital competencies. Equip yourself with 21st century skills, communications, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and coding.
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“Engage in global conversations. Join online forums, youth exchanges, and innovation challenges.
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“Be intentional about learning. Every click can be a step forward your dream if it leads to knowledge.
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“The 21st century belongs to the digitally smart, ethically sound, and globally aware youth. You are that generation. The tools are already in your hands, the question is: What will you do with them”, Dr Onyeisi concluded.
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Also in her paper, entitled: “Self Governance: Leading Yourself First”, Barrister Chinyere Idoko-Ezugwu, Family Life Coach Eden Solution, stated, “Every young person dreams of being a leader – someone who inspires others, makes a difference, and creates change. But the truth is, leadership begins long before the title or the position.”
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Idoko-Ezugwu further said that leadership begins with self governance, pointing out that it’s not first about power or popularity but about personal responsibility.
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“Self governance brings lasting rewards that shape both character and destiny. The world is waiting for young men and women who can lead with character – those who govern their lives with wisdom, honesty, and courage”, she added.
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On her paper entitled: “The Power of Skill: Building a Foundation for Tomorrow’s Children”, Tara Jideonwo (United Kingdom), member of Board of Trustees, JCMI, stated, “In today’s world, education alone is no longer enough. Empowering children to acquire practical skills early in life opens doors that formal schooling sometimes can’t.
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Jideonwo said, “When a child learns a skill whether it’s tailoring, baking, art, coding, or carpentry, they are not just keeping busy, they are building confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose that can never be taken away from them.
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“To the younger generation, don’t look down on your opportunities to learn something new, no matter how small or simple it seems. The same skill you develop today, could become the very things that open doors for you tomorrow. My story is proof that skill is never wasted, it’s an investment in yourself and one that will always yield returns”, she added.
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One of the facilitators, Dr Estervera Ikechukwu, said, “Be a producer and not a consumer! Your future is shaped by the decisions you make today. The life you want is not built overnight. It is created by the small, intentional steps you take daily. Start strong, stay focused and make your life count.
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While corroborating with other speakers’ assertions, Dr Ikechukwu noted that skills are best to nothing. You can loose your job but your skill remains with you. Days are gone when white collar jobs were sort for.
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“Your self….I am project myself. I have to set time for my growth. Be very intentional. Life is about time and season. Life is not for showing off but for showing forth”, she advised.
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Earlier, Chairman of the Nkanu-West Local Government Area, Hon. Ogbodo, congratulated the Executive Director of JCMI, Joyce Princess Onah for successful hosting of the event.
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Hon. Ogbodo whose goodwill message was read by his Chief of Staff, Barrister Chidiebere Ani, stated, “Your vision to empower and inspire young minds aligns perfectly with our commitment to building a vibrant, innovative, and productive Nkanu West. I commend your dedication to youth development and community transformation.
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“Together, we shall continue to nurture potentials and create a brighter future for our people”, he said.
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Among the activities that took place at the event were presentation of motivational songs by Ada Igwenagu Salvation and Isreal Ukpai from Ozalla High School, Ozalla. Presentations of hand crafts by various students. The E.D gifted the students are book entitled ” The Struggle of an African Girl Child”
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Students from over ten secondary schools and their teachers attended the one-day conference held at Nkanu-West Local Government Secretariat at Agbani.
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“JCMI is currently sponsoring over 15 secondary school students, while supporting a few others to acquire skills. It intends to do much more in 2026.
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