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By Madu Obi
The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship, Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor, has expressed deep concern about the epileptic power supply in Anambra State, saying it is shameful that a state that prides itself as the Light of the Nation cannot boast of electricity.
Bishop Ezeokafor, who was preaching a sermon during a church service in Awka, urged the state governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo to find a way to address the constant power outage, arguing that a state like Anambra should be enjoying uninterrupted power supply.
The prelate said: ‘I understand that it is a general thing, but Anambra State government should find a way to fix it. "The governor is doing roads, yes, and also employing teachers and health workers, but this issue of power should not be toyed with.'
"I want Governor Soludo to dissipate energy in that area too because it is really giving Ndi Anambra serious cause for worry".
The prelate also spoke on the issue of keeping children beyond regulation time in the school "It is giving me serious concern. It is not good at all. I want the Governor to address the issue."
"How can a child leave for school by 6:30am only to return by 6pm in the evening? What time does that child have to interact with their parents?"
‘From what I gathered, some parents are majorly the culprits. They keep pushing their children away. I even heard that some are giving their children away to teachers to groom for them. They push primary school pupils and secondary school students to boarding schools, leaving their responsibilities to other persons.'
"It is so wrong. Nobody can train your children exactly the way you wish to. It’s not possible. I appeal to the governor to put an end to this. After official classes, they should allow these children to leave for their various homes."
‘During my time, I did not attend any lesson, but I passed all my papers, both in primary and secondary school. If I didn’t do well I would not be here today as a priest and eventually a bishop.'
"I know they are doing it to get extra pay from the parents. The motivation is the money they are getting from these parents. They should find a way to teach whatever they want to teach during the regulation time."
‘I’m happy that the speaker of the House of Assembly is here alongside other lawmakers. They should do something in that regard. Children no longer spend adequate time with their parents."
There is a diminishing return and once it sets in, the child can never respond to whatever thing you are dishing out.
"That thing you want to teach them after school, teach them during school hours", Ezeokafor said.
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