Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Students numbering 100 have been rewarded with N2.8million by a group of Awka indigenes under the auspices of Awka Na Aso Enwe Foundation for their outstanding performances in the maiden Awka Quiz Competition.
The beneficiaries comprising 53 junior and 47 senior secondary students drawn from various villages in Awka, the Anambra State capital, were also appreciated with N2 Million by Member representing Awka South 1 in the state House of Assembly, Hon. Henry Mbachu.
Speaking during the Prize Giving and Award Ceremony themed, “Building Awka Young Minds, Igniting Academic Excellence,” the Coordinator, Chris Ofodile, said the exercise was targeted at rekindling the flame of excellence that once defined the community.
He said, “The competition embodies the values of academic excellence, healthy competition, and community engagement. It inspires our students to strive for greatness, to explore new ideas and develop a love for learning that will stay with them throughout their lives.
“Today’s event marks the beginning of a push to get Awka, our dear town, back into the winning ways. We are rekindling the flame of excellence that once defined our community.
“We celebrate not only the achievements of our students but also the potential they have to shape a brighter future for themselves and for generations to come.
“We envision an education and vocational programme setting the benchmark for every Awka family at a minimum senior school certificate. Upon achieving this, our teenagers can choose between further education or vocational training.
“We will carefully harness and unveil various skill paths in due time, equipping our youth with practical skills for success in industries and contributing to our community’s economic growth.
“Together, let us entrench this remarkable annual event, impacting Awka youths and inspiring a culture of achievement and progress. Let us demonstrate our commitment to the future of our town by supporting initiatives that foster education, innovation, and growth.”
Appreciating the sponsors, donors and the Registrar for making the event possible, the Coordinator described their investment in the students as testament to their commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders
Congratulating the students for the feat, Ofodile stressed that their achievements remained testament to their perseverance and passion for knowledge.
In his keynote speech, a university don, Prof Frank-Collins Okafor, challenged the students to aspire for excellence and shun cultism and examination malpractices.
He listed importance of academic excellence to include boosting academic ego, creation of open doors for now and the future.
Chairman of the occasion, Sir Ndubuisi Nwobu, commended the foundation for being thorough in the entire process.
