Iriji 2026: Imo Govt Hails Pearlville Schools as Pacesetter in Academics, Igbo Cultural Preservation
..Deputy Governor Ekomaru Commends School for Promoting Igbo Language, Traditions
Photo 1: Master Leon Chukwuemeka (m), the Pearlville School 8th Onyendu and his wife Miss. Chelsea Leon and members of his cabinet.
Photo : 2 Her Excellency Lady Dr. Chinyere Ekomaru, PhD (m) and her husband while extreme right is HRM Eze Dr. Cletus Ilomuanya with other dignitaries.
By Everest Ezihe, Owerri
The Imo State Government has described Pearlville Schools, Avu, Owerri West Local Government Area, as a pacesetter in academic excellence and the promotion and preservation of Igbo cultural heritage.
Governor Hope Uzodimma made the commendation during the school’s well-attended 8th annual Iriji Cultural Fiesta, held last weekend at its spacious and beautifully landscaped permanent site in Avu.
The governor was represented at the event by his deputy, Her Excellency, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, PhD, who attended alongside her husband, Barr. Chukwuma Ekomaru, SAN, and other government officials.
The colourful cultural fiesta was officiated by Master Leon Chukwuemeka, the 8th Onyendu Pearlville Schools, and his “wife” Miss Chelsea Collins, who were cultural ambassadors of the school in the traditional Iriji festival.
Speaking at the occasion, the Deputy Governor expressed admiration for the school’s impressive display of Igbo cultural heritage and commended the Uzodimma-led administration for its efforts towards restoring peace and stability in the state.
According to her, the prevailing security improvements have created a more conducive environment for cultural celebrations and other socio-economic activities.
”Igbo cultural heritage is good, and the governor’s commitment to the security of lives and property has encouraged the promotion of Igbo cultural heritage and other socio-political activities in the state,” she said.
Ekomaru recalled her longstanding relationship with Dr. Mrs. Pearl Onukwugha, the school’s principal and one of its founding figures, dating back to their days at Owerri Girls Secondary School, (aka Ojimgbo).
She praised the school for exposing its pupils and students to traditional Igbo cuisine, including African salad, vegetables, corn with pear, roasted yam, breadfruit and oil bean, among other indigenous delicacies.
Addressing the audience fluently in Igbo, the Deputy Governor also commended the school’s teachers, administrators and management for their commitment to imparting academic knowledge, entrepreneurial skills and cultural values to the younger generation.
She noted that the State government’s Shared Prosperity administration remained committed to entrepreneurship, vocational education, truth and humility, describing these values as important elements that could contribute to the school’s achievements.
Ekomaru equally applauded the 2026 Iriji guest lecturer, Sir. Solomon Elenwoke, for his scholarly contribution, as well as the choice of the festival theme, “Eziokwu Bu Ndu” (Truth Is Life).
She praised the students for their dramatic presentations highlighting the importance of truthfulness and for their impressive cultural performances, including traditional dances and wrestling contests involving pupils and students from the nursery, primary and secondary sections of the school.
The Deputy Governor also acknowledged the traditional rulers present for helping to educate the younger generation on Igbo customs, language and traditions, particularly the breaking of kola nuts, the cutting and eating of new yam, traditional wrestling, moonlight plays and cultural dances.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Uzodimma, she described Pearlville Schools’ commitment to cultural preservation as a source of pride to the state.
”We are proud to be associated with Pearlville Schools. It is our honour and pride to encourage you not to relent in your efforts, particularly in teaching the younger generation that the celebration of Iriji and the promotion of Igbo language are cherished cultural heritages of the Igbo people,” she said.
Ekomaru further described Iriji as a symbol of unity, brotherly love and integration, urging the school and other stakeholders to sustain efforts towards preserving the Igbo language and preventing its extinction, a concern raised by some global organisations.
Earlier in his welcome address, the President of Pearlville Schools Worldwide, Arch. Dr. Victor Onukwugha, thanked God for the school’s steady growth, development and transformation.
He highlighted some of the school’s achievements since its establishment more than a decade ago, attributing its progress to faith in God, effective leadership and the contributions of skilled, dedicated and patriotic staff.
Describing Pearlville Schools as a biblical mustard seed firmly rooted in God, discipline and the pursuit of excellence, Onukwugha said the institution remained committed to academic excellences and the holistic development of its learners.
He also expressed satisfaction with the school’s efforts to promote and preserve Igbo cultural heritage, identifying the annual Iriji Cultural Fiesta as one of its strategic programmes for achieving that objective.
In her remarks, the Principal of Pearlville Schools, Dr. Mrs. Pearl Onukwugha, said, the 2026 celebration marked the 8th edition of the school’s annual cultural fiesta dedicated to promoting and preserving the Iriji tradition.
Speaking fluently in Igbo during her welcome address, she explained that the pupils and students eagerly anticipated the event every year because of the joy and cultural awareness it brought them.
According to her, the school considers the festival an effective way of introducing children to their cultural identity from an early age and encouraging them to appreciate their ancestral heritage.
”This cultural fiesta is an opportunity to teach the children most of the Igbo cultural identities, norms, values, folkways and heritages for their overall interest and consciousness as growing youths,” she said.
Onukwugha emphasised that the school’s mission extended beyond academic excellence to include cultural education, entrepreneurship and vocational trainings.
”Pearlville Schools are not only committed to academic excellence but also to ensuring that the children know about their cultural and traditional heritage and identities, as well as entrepreneurship and vocational skills.
”We are proudly committed to building men and women who can withstand and courageously confront the challenges inherent in the 21st century,” she insisted.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Sir Solomon Elenwoke examined the importance of truthfulness in personal conduct, leadership, institutional development and nation-building.
Speaking in a flawless Igbo, he described truth as indispensable to building trust, confidence and purposeful living, insisting that saying the truth should remain a non-negotiable principle in every human endeavour.
He called on parents, guardians, political leaders, government officials, organisations and educational institutions to embrace truth as a foundation for responsible leadership, societal developments and transformations.
Drawing from John 8:32 of the Bible, which teaches that the truth brings freedom, Elenwoke connected the biblical principle with the Igbo philosophical expression, “Eziokwu Bu Ndu,” meaning “Truth Is Life.”
He also cited traditional Igbo proverbs to demonstrate the enduring importance of truthfulness, stressing that honesty ultimately benefits individuals and society at large.
The event attracted a large crowd of parents, guests and other visitors, temporarily transforming the school’s usually quiet academic environment into a lively centre of cultural celebration.
Pupils and students from the nursery, primary and secondary sections thrilled the audience with colourful traditional dances and performances that showcased the richness and diversity of Igbo cultural identity.
Dressed in beautiful traditional attires, the children drew admirations from guests for their appearance, coordination and enthusiastic participations.
The school also organised exhibition stands featuring traditional foods, paintings, head ties, vegetables and other products made or presented by the students, providing an opportunity to showcase their creativity and practical skills.
The highlight of the occasion was the symbolic cutting and eating of the new yam by Master Leon Chukwuemeka, Onyendu Pearlville Schools Nke Asato, and his designated festival partner, Miss Chelsea Collins.
They were flanked by prominent traditional rulers and other distinguished personalities, including HRM Eze Dr. Cletus Ilomuanya, the Obi of Obinugwu; HRH Eze Gerald Ihekaibeya; members of the Ndi Nze na Oha of Avu Autonomous Community; Rt. Hon. Chuma Nnaji; and Hon. Kachi Nwoga.
Other dignitaries at the event included Rev. Fr. Casmir Nze, Rev. Fr. Jude Ike, Prof. Jude Godwin, Vice-Chancellor; Sir. and Lady Romeo Ukaegbu; Rev. Fr. Martin Ohajunwa; Barr. Innocent Igboanugo; and Hon. Tonibrown Chigozie Odunze, among other eminent personalities.
It is pertinent to inform that the celebration, underscored the importance of combining formal education with cultural awareness, moral instruction and practical skills development in preparing children ahead of the challenges of contemporary society.
