The Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square Awka was yesterday filled to brim as pupils and students from Awka South local Government Area trouped out en masse to join their counterparts across the nation in commemorating the 2021 Children’s Day.

The day with theme, “effects of COVID-19 on the total wellbeing of children: the way forward’, attracted all the ministries, agencies and stakeholders in the Education sector.

Correspondent, Amaka Chibuzor-Okoye was there and  reports. the speaker, Anambra State Children’s Parliament, Miss Faustina-Mary Okoye led other members of the parliament to the ceremony.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Willie Obiano said that despite the effects of COVID-19, the state has continued to take the lead in the education sector as learning continued virtually through broadcasting.

Governor Obiano represented by the Commissioner for Basic Education, Professor Kate Omenugha stated that the theme of the day requires that all hands must be on deck in ensuring that students acquire all they lost during the COVID-19 era, encouraging parents to provide their wards with technological  gadgets for enhanced learning.

In her address of welcome, the Commissioner for Social Welfare, Children and Women Affairs, Lady Ndidi Mezue applauded Governor Willie Obiano for remaining resolute in ensuring that the adverse effects of COVID-19, are reduced on children as well as creating a safe space for them.

Later in an interview, the chairman, Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board, Mr. Patrick Ugbaja said the day aims at assessing children’s achievements, challenges as well as ways to nurture all round students.

Also speaking, Honourable Okoye advocated  the establishment of children’s correctional center in the state as well as prioritize education for every child especially, those in rural and hard to reach areas including the introduction of e-learning facilities.

Igwebike Grammar School Awka emerged the overall best in Secondary Schools’ match past while Practicing School Awka, emerged the overall best in primary schools.

Calisthenics, match past and other displays added glamour to the day graced by the Secretary to the state government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, and the Commissioner for Indigenous Art, Culture and Diaspora Affairs, Chief Ken Anierobi among other dignitaries.