By Elohor Foghola
EKPAN/Nigeria: The Executive Director of Projects in the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Chief Dr. Ebenezer Okorodudu, has charged students of Ekpan Secondary School to be mindful of the company they keep as they navigate their educational journey.
Dr. Okorodudu gave the advice during the 2025 Cultural Day celebration of Ekpan Secondary School, held in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State. The event showcased the rich cultural heritage of seven ethnic nationalities across Nigeria, with students displaying their traditional attire, food, language, and dances.
Commending the school’s principal, Mrs. Dafe Afabor, and the management team, Okorodudu lauded their commitment to providing holistic education that fosters cultural awareness and academic excellence. He praised the students for their outstanding performances, particularly in speaking their indigenous languages, emphasizing that “culture is a vital aspect of education that enriches learning.” He further noted, “Language is an integral part of culture. Once it is lost, the culture of a people is lost.”
Expressing concern over the declining interest in education among youths, Okorodudu encouraged the students to remain dedicated to learning, stressing that school remains a pathway to success despite growing skepticism about its value. He also urged parents to take their responsibilities seriously by instilling discipline and moral values in their children, noting that proper parenting is key to shaping the future generation.
The event culminated in the symbolic cutting of the Cultural Day cake by Chief Okorodudu, who served as the chairman of the occasion.