By Izunna Okafor
It was indeed a moment of jubilation and fanfare in
Ayamelum Council Area of Anambra State as a philanthropist and human capacity
builder, Hon. (Sir) Alphonsus Ofumelu dosed out cash prizes to the winning
students in the 2019 Alphonsus Ofumelu Science Quiz Competitions.
The well-attended event which took place at the Local
Government's headquarter, Anaku, attracted many dignitaries, ranging from
political office holders to parents, teachers and students alike, who came to
witness the prize presentation and felicitate with the winners of the quiz
competitions.
Speaking at the event, while presenting prize to the
overall winner in the competition, the Transition Committee Chairman for
Ayamelum Local Government Area, Hon. Benjamin Onyeabo described education as a
great investment in human development and capacity building, and called on the
students to remain ever focused and committed to their studies. He appreciated
the organizer and sponsor of the competition, Hon. Ofumelu for understanding
the inestimable value of education in the society, and hence investing therein,
even as he further called on other philanthropists in Ayamelum and beyond to
emulate such gesture, which according to him, has a chain of positive effects
on the students and the society at large.
On his own part, the Deputy Chairman of the council, Hon.
Icheke Anigbogu who presented the first runner up with her cash prize described
Hon. Alphonsus Ofumelu as a rare gem and blessing to the society, and urged the
students never to be complacent with that, but to see it as a spur and call to
remain focused in their studies and also be of good character.
Presenting prize to one of the second runners up, the
Education Secretary of the Council Area, Hon. Emmanuel Makwudo who himself is a
seasoned lecturer also thanked the founder and the team members of the Hon.
Alphonsus Ofumelu Foundation for the job well done, while encouraging students
to continue to show interests in education.
In a vote vote of thanks, Hon. Alphonsus Ofumelu who said
the gesture is primarily aimed at encouraging the younger generations to
specialize in technical areas such as Sciences, Technology, Engineering and
Mathematics (STEM), congratulated the winners and urged those who did not win
this year to take it as a challenge to prepare themselves better for the 2020
edition of the competition, as he is determined to make it an annual affair.
Hon. Ofumelu, a Canada-based nurse from Umerum Ayamelum,
who spoke through the program coordinator, Mr. Johnson Nweke said promoting
education and literacy should not be left for government alone, as it also
requires the partnership and contributions of private individuals and
organizations, even as he appreciated the presence of the stakeholders,
parents, teachers and students who graced the occasion.
It is worthy to mention that two students clinched third
positions, and where both given the same original cash prize mapped for the
position, without being spilt.
The students who won in the competitions and their
schools are: Peter Odinaka Nwabunwanne
from Community Secondary School, Omor (first position); Miss Anedo Rebecca from
Amikwe Community Secondary School, Omor (second position); Cornelius Onyibor
from Community Secondary School, Igbakwu (third position), and Emmanuel Nwankwo
from Mater Christi Secondary School, Umumbo (third position). The winners each
received a cash prize of N50, 000, N30, 000, N20, 000 and N20, 000
respectively, and all thanked the sponsor, while praying for God to reward him
abundantly.
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