Ogbonnaya Ọnụ Poly Rector Reaffirms Commitment To Peaceful Coexistence As School Marks Cultural Day

The Rector of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, Engr. Dr. Christopher Okoro Kalu, has reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to unity and peaceful coexistence among students, irrespective of ethnic or cultural backgrounds.

He stated that the Polytechnic has “no room for discrimination” and urged both staff and students to preserve the bond of oneness beyond the classroom.

Engnr Okoro stated this during the 2026 Annual Cultural Fiesta which was held on Friday, July 31, at the Polytechnic Auditorium with the theme: “Culture in a Dynamic Environment.”

The Honourable Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hon. Dr. Matthew C. Ekwuribe, was Guest Speaker at the event.

In his address, Ekwuribe commended the Rector for creating an atmosphere where students “proudly identify with their cultural heritage while pursuing academic excellence.”

He noted that the celebration reflects an institution that appreciates diversity without losing sight of its educational mission.

The Commissioner also applauded the visible transformation across the Polytechnic, particularly the retrofitted auditorium, describing it as evidence of “purposeful leadership.”

“The extensive construction, reconstruction and rehabilitation projects have given the institution a renewed identity that distinguishes it from many of its contemporaries,” he said.

Students from the 17 LGAs of Abia State, alongside students from Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and the Yoruba-speaking part of the country, participated in the displays.

Activities included cultural dances, indigenous music, traditional attire, local cuisines and the symbolic presentation of kola nuts, showcasing Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity with special focus on Igbo culture.

Also in attendance was independent music artist and producer, Mr. PrinceWill Nnadozie (Don Torch), an alumnus of the institution. He described the fiesta as “the finest cultural celebration in the history of the Polytechnic” and applauded the Rector’s leadership.

At the end of the competition, the Akwa Ibom Students Association emerged overall winner for its outstanding cultural presentation, indigenous language and traditional attire.

The Federation of Ngwa Students finished second, while Abam, Imo and Anambra students placed third, fourth and fifth respectively.

Congratulating all participants, the Rector praised the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr. Chinyere Ezeh, and the student body for raising the standard beyond the previous edition.

He further announced that every participating cultural association would receive equal financial support from the institution.

“There is no victor and no vanquished. It was a contest built on fairness. My prayer is that God Almighty will continue to bless our institution, bless Abia State and bless His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti,” he said.

Following the main event, the Rector joined Don Torch at the Ngwa Students’ after-fiesta celebration, where he reiterated the importance of unity.

“The essence of this celebration is to bring everyone together. Our different cultures exist to complement one another because no culture is complete in itself, and no people can flourish in isolation. We all need one another to survive and build a harmonious society,” he stated.

He expressed delight at seeing students “freely socialising across cultural lines” and assured that equity, fairness and equal opportunities will continue to define his administration.

He also charged the Federation of Ngwa Students to remain ambassadors of peace and unity as hosts of the Polytechnic community.