A university lecturer, Dr Zeb Obipi, has stressed the need for parents and guardians to assist government give their children and wards qualitative education.

Dr Obipi made the call while speaking as special guest of honour at the opening ceremony of the first edition of back-to-school inter-school quiz and debate competition for public and private primary/secondary schools in Okrika Local Government Area last Monday.

He said education as the bedrock of development should be given priority, stressing that such competitions would fish out talents and boost educational advancement in the local government area.

According to him, the competition, which was sponsored by the Okrika Local Government Council is a right step in the right direction which is worthy of emulation, and thanked the council chairman, Barrister Tamuno Williams, for his desire to usher in a fresh breath of academic activities in the schools.

Earlier in her speech, Mrs Maureen Koko of University of Science and Technology, Nkpolu, Port Harcourt, who spoke on technical education also emphasized on the need for extra-curricula activities in public schools and enjoined the participants to pursue their academic advancement with all vigour aiming the sky as their unit.

She said as future leaders, they should leave no stone unturned in ensuring excellence in their careers, and also commended Barrister Tamuno Williams for his efforts to promote education among the various schools in the area.

The council boss, Barrister Williams was represented by the vice chairman, Hon Imberemieye Sunday.

Collins Barasimeye