By Iheanyi Enwerem
The Deputy Governor of Imo State, Her Excellency, Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru, PhD, has called on students to uphold truth, integrity, discipline and cherished Igbo cultural values as she joined the management, staff and students of Pearlville School, Owerri, for the school’s Annual New Yam Festival.
The colourful cultural celebration, held on Saturday, had the Deputy Governor in attendance as Special Guest of Honour, alongside her husband, His Excellency, Chief Chukwuma Ekomaru, SAN.
Speaking at the event, Lady Ekomaru expressed delight at being part of a celebration that promotes the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo people, describing the theme, **“Eziokwu bụ Ndụ” (Truth is Life),** as profound and relevant to the moral upbringing of young people.
She noted that truth remains the foundation of integrity, trust, justice and peaceful coexistence, urging parents, teachers and students to make honesty and good character central to their daily lives.
“As we celebrate the harvest of the new yam, let us also cultivate the seeds of honesty, discipline and good character in our homes, schools and society,” she said.
Addressing the pupils and students of Pearlville School, the Deputy Governor emphasised that success goes beyond academic excellence, stressing the importance of honesty, respect and integrity in building a meaningful and honourable life.
“To our dear students, remember that true success is not measured only by academic excellence but also by the honesty, respect and integrity you demonstrate in your daily lives. Always stand for the truth, even when it is difficult, because a life built on truth is a life of honour,” she stated.
Lady Ekomaru commended the management of Pearlville School for its commitment to preserving Igbo cultural heritage and teaching pupils and students the customs, traditions and cherished values of their people while preparing them to become responsible future leaders.
She described Pearlville School as one of the best schools in Imo State, noting that it is managed by a seasoned scholar and operates a curriculum consistent with the ideals of the 3R Administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma.
The Deputy Governor further explained that the New Yam Festival symbolises peace, unity and abundant blessings from God, while also marking the beginning of the Igbo New Year. She expressed hope that the celebration would strengthen communal bonds and deepen appreciation for Igbo traditions among the younger generation.
“As we say in Igbo, ‘Eziokwu bụ Ndụ’ — Truth is Life. Let us embrace truth in our words, our actions and our relationships,” she added.
She assured the school community that the Imo State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON, remained committed to collaborating with schools and other organisations in promoting and enriching the state’s cultural heritage.
On behalf of the Governor, Lady Ekomaru wished the management, staff, students and guests a joyful and memorable New Yam Festival, praying that the harvest would usher in greater blessings, peace, unity and prosperity for families and Imo State.
In her vote of thanks, the Proprietress of Pearlville School, Dr. Pearl Onukwugha, expressed profound appreciation to the Deputy Governor, her husband and the Imo State Government under Governor Hope Uzodimma for their support.
She reaffirmed the school’s commitment to providing quality education and nurturing well-rounded future leaders who would contribute meaningfully to society and support the development aspirations of the government.
The event featured colourful cultural displays, traditional dances and drama presentations by the pupils and students. It also included demonstrations of kola nut breaking and new yam cutting by traditional rulers led by the Chairman of the Imo State Council of Elders, HRH Eze Cletus Ilomuanya.