The President-General of the Ndokwa Neku Union (NNU), Comrade Amechi Asugwuni, has called on female students in Ndokwa nation to cultivate good character and strive for quality education, stressing that the girl-child remains central to building responsible families and a progressive society.
Asugwuni made the appeal at the weekend in Kwale during the maiden edition of the Ndokwa Girls Quiz Competition and Reading Culture Revival organised by the Ndokwa Neku Union Women Wing in partnership with the You Matter Charity Foundation.
Addressing the students and guests at the event, the NNU President-General encouraged the girls to maintain integrity and moral discipline, noting that good character enhances the dignity of womanhood and earns respect in society.
He explained that education plays a critical role in shaping the future of young girls, adding that knowledge equips them with the confidence, strength and values required to succeed in life and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Asugwuni further urged young women to look beyond conventional societal expectations, stressing that the role of women in modern society goes far beyond the home.
According to him, parents must prioritise the education of their daughters so they can grow into capable partners alongside men in driving social and economic progress.
The NNU leader also encouraged women to take active roles in leadership and governance, while promoting unity and mutual respect within their communities.
He reminded the participants that maintaining a good reputation remains one of the most valuable assets any woman can possess.
Serving as Father of the Day at the event, Asugwuni commended the Ndokwa Neku Union Women Wing for initiating the programme, describing it as a significant step toward promoting academic excellence and reviving reading culture among young girls.
He urged the organisers to sustain the initiative and continue investing in the intellectual development of girls, whom he described as future mothers, wives and nation builders.
In a keynote address, the Wife of the State Governor, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, congratulated the organisers for championing girl-child education and creating a platform that encourages academic competition among female students.
The governor’s wife applauded the initiative of the Ndokwa Neku Union Women Wing, noting that programmes such as quiz competitions inspire students to think critically, improve their reading habits and pursue academic excellence.
She emphasised that reading remains an essential tool for intellectual growth, adding that educating and empowering girls has a direct positive impact on families, communities and the wider society.
Deaconess Oborevwori also called on stakeholders in the education sector to support programmes that promote reading culture and youth development across communities.
Highlighting her humanitarian initiative, the You Matter Charity Foundation, she explained that the foundation is committed to nurturing confident and well-educated young people across Delta State.
She encouraged the participating students to remain focused on their dreams and to believe in their abilities, assuring them that education provides the pathway to achieving their aspirations.
The competition featured students from 15 secondary schools drawn from Ndokwa West Local Government Area, Ndokwa East Local Government Area and Ukwuani Local Government Area.
At the end of the quiz contest, Umutu Mixed Secondary School, Umutu, emerged as the overall winner, while Ezionum Secondary School finished in second place.
Emu-Uno Mixed Secondary School and Abbi Girls Secondary School secured the third position.
In the reading culture segment of the competition, Ashaka Mixed Secondary School, Ashaka, clinched the first position, followed by Utagba-Ogbe Technical College in second place, while Novena University Staff School finished third.
The event was attended by the governor’s wife, represented by the Wife of the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Mrs. Guwor.
Other dignitaries present included the Wife of the Deputy Speaker, Mrs. Akpowowon; the Director-General of the You Matter Charity Foundation, Barrister Mrs. Loretta Ogbedo; and Chief Johnson Opone, who was represented by his wife, Mrs. Opone.
Also present were Mrs. Obi Nzete, Mrs. Possible Ajede, Chief Mrs. Chinonye Dafe, Hon. Fidelis Tilije represented by Mr. Andy Atuma, Mrs. Mary Chidi, Hon. Mrs. Bridget Anyafulu, Prof. Mrs. Joyce Ogwezi, alongside several royal mothers from the Utagba-Ogbe and Umuebu communities.
