Celebrating Culture, Unity, and Excellence at Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu
The spirit of unity, identity, and pride lit up the Thinkers Corner campuses of Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, during the 2025 Cultural Day celebration, a key highlight of this year’s Students’ Unity Week.
The event was graced by students, staff, and esteemed guests, with an opening address from the Vice Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Prof. Christian Anieke. In his words, “We should approach every culture with open minds,” reminding the university community that Nigeria’s rich diversity boasting, over 450 ethnic groups, is a strength, not a division.
One of the most captivating moments was an interactive session where students fluent in Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, and Efik languages were invited to showcase their linguistic skills. Two outstanding students received ₦20,000 each, while others were given ₦10,000 as a mark of encouragement. The Vice Chancellor emphasized that the goal was not competition but appreciation of the beauty in every culture.
From energetic dances, colourful traditional attire, and soul-stirring songs to poetic expressions and native delicacies, the celebration brought cultures to life. Each ethnic group crowned cultural kings and queens, proudly representing their heritage.
Igwe Solomon Chigozie Chiwetalu, the 11th Igwe of Godfrey Okoye University, gave a powerful speech on the theme “Why the Youth Should Not Depart From Our Culture.” He commended the Vice Chancellor’s visionary leadership and urged students to champion cultural awareness alongside academic pursuits. He also called for the establishment of a university farm to promote agricultural engagement.
A major feature of the day was the recognition of excellence through awards presented by the Students’ Council of Honour. Twenty outstanding students and a staff were honoured for their contributions to the university. Awards included Best Photographer, Top Model, Youth Wealth Creator, Best DJ, Best Makeup Artist, Most Fashionable, Content Creator of the Year, and Sportsman of the Year Dean of Student Affairs, Rev. Fr. Casmir Nwokolo was specially recognized for his commitment to student welfare.
Highlights of the awards from the cultural performances:
Best in Traditional Food: Hausa Community
Best Dressed Group: Yoruba Community
Best Dancers: Tiv and Efik Communities
Overall Best Performance: Igbo Community
In his closing remarks, Rev. Fr. Prof. Anieke announced the university’s plan to introduce an annual competition focused on learning Nigerian languages, encouraging students to explore languages beyond their native tongues, as it can open doors of opportunity across cultures and regions.
The Acting Registrar, Mrs. Peace Ike offered a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all who made the event a resounding success.
Godfrey Okoye University’s Cultural Day is more than a celebration. It’s a reminder that diversity, when embraced with respect and understanding, builds stronger communities and a more inclusive future.
