Obanliku Local Government Area came alive on Thursday as schools across the area showcased discipline, creativity and cultural heritage at the 66th Independence Day celebration, with Obanliku Community Secondary School and GPS Bugene 1 emerging winners in the march-past competitions.
The colourful celebration, hosted by the Executive Chairman of Obanliku LGA, Hon. Amb. Chief Sunny Ayang, JP, at Obanliku Community Secondary School, Sankwala, also featured impressive cultural dance displays that drew applause from dignitaries, parents, teachers and residents.
In the secondary school march-past, Obanliku Community Secondary School took first place, Godbey Secondary School came second, while Cornerstone College finished third.
In the primary school category, GPS Bugene 1 emerged first, Cornerstone Nursery/Primary School placed second, while RCM Primary School, Bebi, came third.
The cultural dance competition equally produced outstanding performances.
Cornerstone College emerged first in the secondary school category, followed by Government Technical School, Bebi, in second place.
Among the primary schools, GPS Busangfong clinched first place, GPS Bugene 1 came second, while FSP School secured third place.
But beyond the competition, it was Chairman Sunny Ayang’s personal support for the young participants and teachers that added another major highlight to the celebration.
In a gesture of solidarity with the students, the Chairman personally supported participants who turned up for the march-past in visibly worn-out school uniforms. He also rewarded neatly dressed teachers who participated in the ceremony, recognising their discipline, appearance and commitment to duty.
The gestures underscored the Chairman’s stated commitment to education, youth development, encouragement and human dignity, while sending a message that effort and participation would be recognised.
Addressing the gathering, Hon Ayang congratulated Nigerians and the people of Obanliku on the 66th Independence anniversary and called for renewed patriotism, unity and responsible citizenship.
He said the anniversary should go beyond celebration, serving as a reminder of the collective responsibility to build a Nigeria defined by greater opportunity, stability and prosperity.
Reflecting on his administration’s first year, the Chairman highlighted interventions recorded across key sectors and pledged to sustain efforts in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, youth empowerment, tourism, security and economic development.
Hon. Ayang also expressed optimism over the expected #100 million support from the Governor, saying the intervention would provide further impetus for development projects across the wards.
“There is still much to be done, but we are committed to listening, learning and improving as we work with the resources available to us,” the Chairman said.
He called on the people of Obanliku to remain united and place the collective interest of the Local Government above divisions, stressing that cooperation between government and citizens remained critical to sustainable development.
The Chairman congratulated the winning schools and commended every participating pupil, student and teacher for contributing to the success of the celebration.
He urged the students to remain disciplined and patriotic, describing them as important ambassadors of Obanliku and future contributors to the development of the Local Government and Nigeria.
The 66th Independence Day celebration ended on a colourful and patriotic note, with the performances providing a platform for young Obanliku residents to display their discipline, talents and cultural heritage.
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