By Obiageli Nwankwo :
The English Department of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) has celebrated the Opuluiche Festival of Arts.
The event held at COOU, Igbariam Campus, tagged, “The Eagles Return,” aimed to promote literary appreciation among English Department students by honoring literary luminaries and celebrating Igbo cultural heritage.
Speaking at the occasion, the Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma Udeh who received an award as the Mother of the Department and the first Professor of English, Faculty of Arts, COOU, extolled the university’s administration and Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof Kate Omenugha for the ongoing transformation in the institution.
She charged the students of the Department to be worthy ambassadors of the department, adding that English students are known for being true observers of etiquette, hence they should strive to carry on the tradition.
She equally stated that world-acclaimed writers such as Prof Akachi Adimora Ezigbo, Chimamanda Adichie, and others were once students of Arts, emphasizing that opportunities to excel and be known abound for every hardworking student of English and Arts.
The Acting Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Kate Omenugha lauded the department for its dedication and supportive role to the university while highlighting the need for the department to tackle the low level of reading culture and literary appreciation amongst present-aged students.
The Head of English Department, Dr, Ikechukwu Asika stated that the literary festival aimed to sensitize students of English to the value and wealth in the study of Arts.
Giving the first reading of a collection of poems, HM Igwe Chidubem Iweka, Eze Iweka 111 of Obosi Kingdom emphasized the need for sustenance of the Igbo culture and identity through a poem titled, “Black Woman, Where is Your Hair”.
The highlights of the event were the presentation of awards to distinguished personalities and special dance performances by students of Mater Amabilis Secondary School, Umuoji, and Maria Regina Secondary School. Nnewi.
* Nwankwo is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
