LAWMAKER REWARDS ESSAY COMPETITION WINNERS WITH LAPTOPS, ANDROID PHONES, CASH PRIZES

Winners for the Maiden Edition of the 2020 Essay Writing Competition.

Schools administrators, community leaders in Owan, have hailed Prof. Ihonvbere’s legislative performances in Owan Federal Constituency.

The commendations came following the reward of varying cash prizes and other gift items awarded to winners of the winners for the 2020 Essay Writing Competition organized by the Constituency Office of the lawmaker, who is the Chairman, Committee on Basic Education & Services at the National Assembly.

Presenting the prizes to the top six (6) winners of the maiden edition of the Owan Federal Constituency Essay Writing Competition, Rev. Sunny Okaka, Chairman of the occasion, lauded the policies and programmes of the lawmaker in the area of education, while commending the excellent and transparent outcome of the exercise under the supervision of an independent Essay Writing Committee, and headed by Prof. Famous Izedonmi from the University of Benin.

While enumerating the proactive leadership traits, outstanding legislative performances and the numerous projects/programmes that have been initiated and executed by the lawmaker in the area of education, capacity building and empowerment/job creation, Rev. Okaka prayed for more strength and wisdom to keep the standard high.

“Hon. Ihonvbere has brought a new political pathway that Owan has never had since democratic inception. He operates an open-door policy, thereby creating easy access that has brought legislative business to the doorsteps of the constituents. He has succeeded in rekindling the lost glory in the education sector in Owan Federal Constituency and has set an enviable legislative order.

“Today, government schools are wearing new looks with well equipped classrooms, offices, stores with solar inverters provided. In Owan, we have never had it this good in the area of education before,” the cleric said.

Dr. Murphy Ajayi, who represented Prof. Ihonvbere, in a message, said that the aim of the programme was geared towards rebuilding and revamping the education sector by the distinguished lawmaker.

According to him, “I want to thank all those who participated in this essay writing competition. Competitions such as this are a great way to develop one's skill in writing. Yes, cash prizes and writing tools like the laptops and smart phones are a huge plus.

“To the school principals, the ability to read and write is a means to a end, but never an end itself, yet, it is one of the fundamental philosophy of education, that learners should be able to read and write, as you ensure that your students cultivate the habit of reading and writing. 

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“In conclusion, I want to assure you that, Prof. Ihonvbere will not relent in his strides to bring the dividends of democracy to the people of Owan East and West,” he added.

Rev. Mele, who represented Prof. Famous Izedonmi, the Chairman of the Essay Writing Committee, commended Hon. Ihonvbere for toeing the path of progress and bringing on board, innovative education policies/programmes that have today made Owan top among others.

In appreciation, Mr. Frank David, Constituency Coordinator, thanked the lawmaker for his dedication and passion towards the development of Owan Federal Constituency and the nation at large as he further calls on constituents’ and stakeholders’ support in achieving the set targets, aims and objectives as the lawmaker could not shoulder this enormous responsibility alone.

“We are very proud of this gesture and other people-oriented programmes aimed at bringing succour to the people of the constituency, especially the youth populace. This is no doubt a good replica of our party’s manifesto, principles and ideals,” Frank David said.

Speaking on behalf of the recipients, Iyere Glory, an SS3 student of Holy Trinity Grammar School, Sabongida-Ora, Owan West LGA, who took the 1st position to clinch the grand prize, thanked the distinguished lawmaker for his enormous contributions to the educational sector in Owan Federal Constituency.

“I thank Prof. Ihonvbere for this golden opportunity and I pray it does not stop here. We will continue to support and pray for him in whatever he does. He has shown to us that education goes with a lot of rewards and that we hold dearly to heart,” Glory said.

School principals and parents filled with excitement and joy, also did not fail to pray and appreciate the lawmaker and hailed his well orchestrated education architecture, noting that the essay competition being one out of the many they will continue to keep talking about and be grateful to God for.

In the midst of jubilation by winners and guests, Hon. Monday Ayeni, threw his support for the lawmaker by rewarding two of the winners with the purchase of JAMB forms and the provision of writing materials for them as he thanked Prof. Ihonvbere for bringing smiles to the Owan nation.

In attendance were, Rev. Sunny Okaka, ex-NUT Chairman, Edo State; Hon. Kelvin Esemuze, Councillor representing Ward 6 in Owan West LGA; Hon. Monday Ayeni, Councillor representing Ward 8 in Owan West LGA; Mr. Monday Ogbeta and Dr. Murphy Ajayi.

Others included, Anthony Iruafemi, Legislative Aide; Mr. Iriekpen Bright Omogbai Legislative Aide and Media Officer; Rev. Mele Uadia, Constituency Liaison Officer; Mr. Frank David, Constituency Coordinator; Mr. Sanni Friday and Mr. Dandy Obande, Owan West and East Office Coordinators respectively.

The winners for the Maiden Edition of the 2020 Essay Writing Competition were, Iyere Glory of Holy Trinity Grammar School, Owan West LGA in SS3; Umoru Halimat of Demag Group of Schools, Afuze, Owan East LGA in SS1; Bamidele, Lorentha of Ikhin Mixed Secondary School Ikhin, Owan East LGA in SS3; Uwaifo Gift of Okpuje Secondary School, Owan West LGA in SS2; Arionaifo Juliana of Uzebba Grammar School, Uzebba, Owan West LGA in SS3; Esezobor Godspower Ohiosimuan of Saint James’ Grammar School, Owan East LGA in SS3 for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th positions respectively.