RISUWA Cultural Day: A Vibrant Call for Unity Through Diversity 🇳🇬

Chairman of Ocassion, Dr. (Mrs.) Agharandu Augusta Eleazar, Dr. (Mrs.) Victoria Ayah Zeb-Obipi RISUWA President

Dr. (Mrs.) Victoria Ayah Zeb-Obipi RISUWA President

           Pupils Dressed in Yoruba Attire

        Pupils Dressed in Hausa Attire

     Pupils Dressed in Igbo Attire

 Group photograph with the igbo community shortly after the program

Group photograph with pupils Dressed in Hausa Attire shortly after the program

Group photograph with the Ibibio community shortly after the program

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RISUWA Cultural Day: A Vibrant Call for Unity Through Diversity 🇳🇬

Rivers State University Women Association (RISUWA) Education Centre recently hosted a resplendent 2025 Cultural Day celebration, echoing the powerful theme: "Celebrating Diversity Inspiring Unity." The event, held on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the UWA Conference Hall, was a resounding success, offering a colourful showcase of Nigeria's rich cultural tapestry and a compelling message of national cohesion.

The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the children, who radiated in the vibrant traditional attire of various Nigerian ethnic groups, including the Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Ibibio, and Ijaw peoples. Each group's presentation was an educational and entertaining display, covering the history, origin, food, dressing, and general dance of their respective tribes. This deep dive into cultural heritage culminated in a brief but impactful dramatic display centred on the theme: 'One Nigeria - Celebrating Diversity Inspiring Unity,' demonstrating the pupils' grasp of the day’s core message.

The proceedings commenced with a warm Welcome Address delivered by pupils, Jayden Nwene-Onu and Excel Bariseredum. They underscored the event's significance, calling it a "testament to the vibrant diversity of our country," and thanked the organizers and esteemed guests, including  the head teacher, for their "precision" and efforts in making the celebration possible.

The event was graced by the presence and compelling remarks of key figures. Dr. (Mrs.) Victoria Ayah Zeb-Obipi, RISUWA President and wife to the VC, who delivered the Opening Remark. She passionately articulated the purpose of the celebration, emphasizing that the program would offer a "reason to say, indeed, it's good to live in unity" and encouraged the audience to learn from the children’s displays. Dr. Zeb-Obipi extended heartfelt thanks to the parents for their presence and dedication to preparing the children. 

The Special Guest of Honour, the Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University (RSU), Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, was ably represented by Prof. Emilia Jaja. Prof. Jaja echoed the call for national unity, engaging the children on the understanding of the "One Nigerian" message. She celebrated the children’s cultural dexterity, noting that pupils of non-Yoruba origin were enthusiastically performing Yoruba dances, underscoring the spirit of integration. Prof. Jaja took the opportunity to highlight positive Nigerian cultural values—respect, honour, and hard work—and encouraged the children to see themselves as brothers and sisters, making friends across ethnic lines.

Following the cultural presentations, a food exhibition and inspection took place, with the VC, represented by Prof. Emilia Jaja, and other members of the high table sampling the diverse African dishes from the various tribes. In a gesture of generous support and encouragement for the pupils' devotion and the event's organization, the VC donated {N}100,000N to the celebration.

The ceremony concluded with a comprehensive Closing Remark/Vote of Thanks delivered by the Chairman of the Occasion, Dr. (Mrs.) Agharandu Augusta Eleazar. Dr. Eleazar extended appreciation to all attendees, particularly the Vice Chancellor for his "love and support," the RISUWA President for her "capacity leadership," and the teachers, especially HM Patricia Christopher, for ensuring the event's success. She highlighted the beautiful interaction witnessed, where different groups danced together and showcased wonderful dishes, celebrating "a way of living, people learn, we learn and we live together." She wished the children a safe and enjoyable mid-term break.

In an interview session shortly after the program concluded, Dr. (Mrs.) Victoria Ayah Zeb-Obipi, RISUWA President stated;

"This year's Cultural Day, under the banner of 'Celebrating Diversity Inspiring Unity,' has exceeded all expectations. Seeing our children, the future of Nigeria, not only showcase their individual tribes but joyfully embrace and perform each other's cultures is truly heartening. It proves that diversity is not a division but a vibrant strength. My deepest gratitude goes to the dedicated parents and our phenomenal teachers. We are committed to nurturing a generation that appreciates that our unity is what defines our national greatness. Thank you for making this vision a beautiful reality."

Also in her interview, Dr. (Mrs.) Agharandu Augusta Eleazar, Chairman of the Occasion:

"I am immensely proud of the success of this celebration. Today, we've experienced a vivid demonstration that our various cultures can coexist in harmony, enriching one another. The level of organization, the quality of the performances, and the powerful 'One Nigeria' message passed by the children were exceptional. I want to especially thank our esteemed Vice Chancellor for his generous support and our President, Dr. Zeb-Obipi, for her inspiring leadership. This event reinforces the importance of cultural education and underscores that respect, as a cornerstone of our heritage, remains the key to our collective progress."