By Uzo Ugwunze
A public school pupil, Miss Isioma Okolie of Umuota Primary School, Obosi, has secured a six year secondary school scholarship after emerging first runner-up at the eighth Late Marshall Ochokwu Foundation All Idemili North and South Quiz Competition for Basic Five and Six pupils.
Okolie outperformed 196 other contestants to become the first pupil from a public primary school to reach the final stage of the competition since its inception eight years ago. Her performance earned widespread commendation from organisers and guests.
The achievement attracted a full six year secondary school scholarship sponsored by Engr. and Mrs. Tonna Anyaeji, Chairman of the Obosi Development Union (ODU), Benin Branch. The scholarship was announced at the event and was separate from the official prizes for the competition.
Speaking at the grand finale held on July 31 at Choice De Immaculate Demonstration School (CIDS), Obosi, the Proprietor of CIDS and Director of the Foundation, Engr. Solomy Ochokwu, described the achievement as a milestone for public schools participating in the competition.
Ochokwu said 198 pupils from 28 schools took part in the qualifying round held on June 26, while 41 pupils from 12 schools progressed to the grand finale, where five overall winners emerged.
He said Master Chukwuemeka David of Maria Ines School, Obosi, won the overall prize of ₦150,000 sponsored by CIDS. Okolie received the ₦100,000 second prize sponsored by Engr. and Mrs. Tonna Anyaeji, while Miss Delight Agubuesi of Maria Ines School won the ₦50,000 third prize sponsored by Amb. Chuma Nwike. Master Luke Chijindu of CIDS claimed the fourth prize of ₦30,000, while Miss Mercy Idris of CIDS received the fifth prize of ₦20,000.
According to him, the first 30 finalists also received consolation prizes, including 30 school bags valued at ₦600,000 donated by Engr. Eric Anyamene, as well as mathematical sets and exercise books worth ₦200,000.
Ochokwu said the quiz competition was established in 2018 in memory of his late father, Marshall Ochokwu, beginning with seven primary schools in Obosi before expanding to Idemili North in 2021 and subsequently to Idemili North and South Local Government Areas in 2023.
He said the initiative was designed to promote healthy academic competition among primary school pupils, strengthen learning in Mathematics, English Language and Basic Science, and ensure transparency by allowing teachers from participating schools to prepare the competition questions on the spot.
Uzo Ugwunze is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
