Pupils in Rivers State owned schools have joined people around the world to mourn the death of late former South African President, Nelson Mandela.
The pupils, who assembled at the Port Harcourt City Centenary Model Primary paid tribute to Nelson Mandela especially for his contributions in education.
A primary five pupil of Port Harcourt Centenary Primary school, Armstrong Braide said Nelson Mandela changed the course of history in South Africa by enlightening them on the importance of education.
He stated that Nelson Mandela’s popular quote on education clearly shows the huge importance the great African leader placed on education.
This famous quote; “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”, was made by Nelson Mandela, he said.
He also recalled Mandela’s quote that, ”what counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the significance of the life we lived”.
The lad said the quotes “shows the huge importance Mandela placed on education. Nelson Mandela changed the course of history of his country by enlightening them on the importance of education. Nelson Mandela was also a symbol of unity, love, passion and hope for Africa and the world at large.
“Mandela’s legacy affected many of us positively because our leaders adopted the message of change being preached by Nelson Mandela”, he said.
Armstrong Braide also said that some African leaders have adopted the legacies left by the former South African President.
He stated that “Nelson Mandela was a symbol of hope, love and unity in Africa. Nelson Mandela was also a symbol of unity, love, passion and hope for Africa and the world at large.
“Mandela’s legacy affected many of us positively because our leaders adopted the message of change being preached by Nelson Mandela.
“In Rivers State, our Governor Rt.Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, who understands the need to change the world through education, has given us free education”, he stated.
Another pupil, Chioma Okeke, a primary five pupil in one of the Model Primary Schools, described Nelson Mandela as a great leader who fought for the liberation of his country.
Similarly, a primary six pupil from Port Harcourt Centenary Model Primary Itubo Etire described Nelson Mandela as a freedom fighter who brought democracy to South Africa.
The Commissioner for Education Rivers State, Dame Alice Lawrence-Nemi stated that the legacies of the former South African President, Nelson Mandela would inspire the children to become good leaders.
The Commissioner also commended the teachers for teaching the pupils about the life of Nelson Mandela.
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