Lira City West NRM Chairperson Olipa Urges Learners to Value Education Over Wasting Parents’ Resources

What the report says

Hon. Tony Olipa, the NRM Chairperson for Lira City West Division, used a back-to-school thanksgiving event in Lira City to urge learners to treat education seriously and avoid wasting their parents’ resources. The gathering took place at Obanga Pe Wang Church on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026, as pupils and students prepared for the third term and end-of-year examinations. According to Dokolo Post, more than 1,000 learners from nursery through tertiary level received blessings at the event.

Olipa, who also goes by Lipton, spoke as chief guest and donated books and pens to candidates preparing for Primary Seven, Senior Four and Senior Six exams. He encouraged students to stay disciplined, work hard both at school and during holidays, and focus on building good character. He also told parents to support their children’s education, teach them practical life values, and help identify and nurture their talents rather than imposing their own ambitions on them.

The church service included prayers and messages from Rev. Nelson Kami Okonya, who said the event was meant to thank God for protecting the children and to bless them as they return to class. He also announced the launch of a youth center at All Saints Obanga Pe Wang intended to provide vocational training such as tailoring and agriculture. Lizzy Auma, the Youth Vice Chairperson for Lira Urban West, praised the church for hosting the program and said the annual forum is meant to bring young people together and reinforce the value of education.