By Roseline Okafor, Lafia
The Famous Star Institute, Uke, in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, has concluded its 2026 Students’ Week with a colourful grand finale that celebrated Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage through music, dance, drama and a keenly contested beauty pageant.
The event, held on the institution’s premises on Saturday, attracted parents, guardians, traditional rulers, education stakeholders and well-wishers who gathered to witness students showcase their talents and promote national unity through cultural displays.
The week-long celebration was organised to encourage creativity, cultural awareness, leadership, and moral values among students while complementing their academic pursuits.
One of the major highlights of the event was a vibrant parade of cultural performances representing Nigeria’s diverse ethnic nationalities. Students thrilled the audience with energetic displays from the Gbagyi cultural troupe, Igbo dance group, Hausa-Fulani cultural display, Nyankpa traditional dance, and other indigenous cultural groups.
Dressed in colourful traditional attire, the students captivated spectators with rhythmic drumbeats, gongs, cultural songs and traditional dances, earning loud applause from the enthusiastic audience.
Speaking at the occasion, the Director of Famous Star Institute, Dr. Rabo Chidawa, said the annual Students’ Week was designed to expose learners to opportunities beyond classroom learning and prepare them for responsible leadership.
“Our goal at Famous Star Institute is to raise students who are academically sound, morally upright and culturally aware. When a child knows where he or she is coming from, the child will know where to go,” Dr. Chidawa stated.
He expressed appreciation to parents and guardians for their continued support and commended members of staff for their dedication to mentoring students academically and morally.
Several guest speakers also applauded the management for promoting discipline, entrepreneurship, leadership and cultural values among students, describing the institution as a model for holistic education in Nasarawa State.
The grand finale also featured the crowning of Mr. and Miss Famous Star Institute 2026, where contestants were assessed on intelligence, confidence, talent and stage presence.
At the end of the competition, Onuh Chioma Esther and Eleimighele Lucky emerged as winners to loud cheers from students and guests.
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Speaking on behalf of participants, Endurance Isa and Asu Ruth Ayim, who featured in the dancing competition, appreciated the school’s management for providing a platform that enables students to discover their talents, build confidence and showcase their abilities.
The colourful ceremony ended with goodwill messages from guests, who urged the institution to sustain initiatives that promote cultural unity, academic excellence and youth development.