In Ondo State, one citadel of learning is already harnessing the skills and intellectual properties of its pupils and students to foster unity amongst the various Nigeria’s ethnic nationalities.
That citadel of learning is Impact International Schools, located behind the CBN building, Alagbaka, Akure, the state capital.
June 23rd, 2021, was the day and many of the participants at the event didn’t disappoint, as they turn up to the Cultural and Entrepreneurial day, with their traditional dresses.
All the participants, that is, pupils, students, and parents, were given the opportunity to showcase their products and services at the event.
The event featured the two schools of Impact International Schools – Impact Preschool and Primary School as well as Impact High School.
Chief (Mrs.) Olutoyin Ade-Unuigbe, Executive Director of the School in her address, noted that this year’s event comes with a difference as it’s not only Cultural Day, but also Entrepreneurial Day.
“People of different cultures live together in almost every part of the world, and most of us have overlapping identities which unites us with these different groups. After all, our culture, they say, is our identity,” she said.
She added that the school out of her love for culture has now set aside Friday of every week as Impact Language Day.
“This is a day wherein pupils, students, staff and parents are allowed to communicate using the language of our environment (Yoruba) as well as in languages of other non-yoruba speaking parents, staff,students and pupils,” Ade-Unuigbe said.
Chief (Mrs) Ade-Unuigbe also said the school in its bid to ensuring that students and pupils don’t just graduate with only academic qualifications has placed emphasis on Entrepreneurship.
“Students and Pupils have been grouped to learn one skill or the other. Examples of these groups are Musical group where we have Saxophone classes, Violin classes, Keyboard classes, Flute Classes, etc. Others are Perfume making, White/Brown/Medicated powder making, among other crafts,” she said.
She later moved around the mini trade fair stands where products were displayed.
Examples of the products are, Impact Perfume, Impact Medicated Powder, Impact Brown Powder, Impact White Powder and other works done by students and pupils in their entrepreneurial classes. Books, Tie and Dye wears were also displayed.
Earlier, the Boys and Girls of Impact Schools displayed dances and cultural identities of their background.
One after the other, they came out to dance while adorning traditional attires in Owo, Edo, Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Fulani, Delta, Bayelsa. They also displayed flags from foreign countries like France, China, Denmark, South Africa, England and Greece.
The Boys and Girls were the ones who displayed the national cultures by dressing in the way those regions dressed and dancing the way they dance, while selected members of staff dressed to display the international cultures.
Attendees at the biennial event were treated to sumptuous cultural meals such as Ofada Rice, Zobo drinks, roasted Corn, boiled Groundnut, Kola etc, which was a clear departure from Jollof rice, small chops and minerals.
Meanwhile, Impact High School has announced the opening of admission into its JSS 1-2 and SS 1-2 classes.
The entrance examination for prospective students will hold on Saturday, 10th July, 2021. Admission is also open into Impact Preschool and Primary School. For enquiries call 08061572960, 08033678431 or visit www.impactschoolsng.org
Study @ Achievers University
