By Ngozi Okoli
The grand finale of the Young Minds Mathematics Challenge Ogbaru 2026 was held on July 12 at Community Secondary School, Okoti-Odekpe, bringing together some of the brightest secondary school students from across Ogbaru Local Government Area in a keenly contested mathematics competition.
The competition began with ten finalists drawn from eight secondary schools. After two intense rounds of questions, five contestants advanced to the final stage, demonstrating exceptional mathematical skills, confidence and problem-solving ability.
The participating schools were Madonna Academy, St. James Secondary School, Our Lady of Grace School, The King’s Ambassador Seminary, Community Secondary School GMO, Okpoko, Community Secondary School Iyiowa, Archbishop Albert Obiefuna Secondary School, Iyiowa, and St. Patrick’s Secondary School, Mkpikpa.
At the conclusion of the competition, Udemadu Kosisochukwu of Community Secondary School GMO, Okpoko emerged as the overall winner, receiving a cash prize of N200,000, a gold medal, a school bag, educational materials, and a certificate of excellence. Ezechukwu Tochukwu of King’s Ambassador Seminary, Atani finished as the first runner-up and received N100,000, a silver medal, a school bag, educational materials and a certificate of outstanding performance.
The second runner-up position went to Ekeneyerenwa Valentine of Archbishop Albert Obiefuna Secondary School, Iyiowa, who was rewarded with N50,000, a bronze medal, a school bag, educational materials and a certificate of achievement.
A special recognition award was presented to Miss Collete of St. Patrick’s Secondary School, Mkpikpa, who received a cash prize of N100,000 from a distinguished guest. Other finalists were also presented with school bags and educational materials in appreciation of their impressive performances.
The organisers further recognised 22 students who qualified from the first stage of the competition but did not reach the final. Each student received a school bag and educational materials in recognition of their hard work, determination and academic excellence.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Mayor of Ogbaru Local Government Area, Hon. Charles Umunna, expressed appreciation to the sponsors, partners, guests and supporters whose contributions made the competition a success. He expressed confidence that the initiative would continue to inspire academic excellence and produce more outstanding young scholars in Ogbaru.
Ngozi Okoli is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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