- Mr Ozigbo, Hon Igwe, others commend the foundation
By Nna Anulumadu & Charles Igwe
Nnobi community members were in a jubilant mood last Saturday, June 22, 2024, as the Sir Pius Ufudo Foundation concluded the second edition of the Nnobi Secondary Schools Mathematics Quiz Competition. The competition unveiled the best mathematician in Nnobi, Master Bernard Okoye, and saw the foundation distributing scholarships and gifts to students and schools that excelled in the competition.
The mathematics quiz competition, held at the Sir Pius Ufudo Complex located at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church Nnobi, attracted dignitaries from near and far. The chairman of the Sir Pius Ufudo Foundation, Chief Obinna Ufudo, emphasized the foundation’s dedication to improving education, health services, and the environment in Nnobi. He announced plans for a regular educational movie program and free computer training sessions for students, which have been ongoing for the past two years. Last year, the foundation distributed 10 computers to top-performing schools, a tradition that continues this year.
Chief Ufudo also introduced the Fred Uchenna Udeaja Prize for the best mathematics student in Nnobi, in honor of the late Fred Udeaja, a dedicated mathematics teacher who made significant contributions before his death at the age of 39. An essay competition about Udeaja’s life will also be held, with the winner to be announced next year.
Honorable Ebuka Igwe, representing Idemili South in the Anambra State House of Assembly, praised Chief Ufudo’s efforts in elevating education in Nnobi. Mr Val Ozigbo, a former governorship candidate, commended the foundation for providing Nnobi youth with opportunities to excel academically and gain valuable skills. Both dignitaries pledged their support to the foundation.
Rev. Fr Chibuzor Okeke, parish priest of St. Theresa’s Parish, lauded the foundation for bridging the educational gap between Nnobi students in cities and those at home. He noted that the foundation’s efforts are fostering a culture of excellence and competition among the students, building a brighter future for the community.
Rev Fr Dr George Adimike, Press Secretary to the Archbishop of Onitsha and Director of Communications, Onitsha Archdiocese, spoke on the importance of mathematics in contemporary society and Nigeria. He emphasized how mathematics equips students with critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential for national development.
Among the four schools that reached the final stage of the competition, Seat of Wisdom Comprehensive Secondary School Nnobi took first place, receiving N300,000 and computer sets. Madonna International Academic Secondary School Nnobi came second, earning N200,000 and computer sets, while Trinity Model Secondary School Nnobi secured third place, winning N100,000 and computers. Our Lady Secondary School Nnobi took the fourth position.
Master Bernard Okoye, who was named the best mathematician in Nnobi, also received special gifts, including the Fred Uchenna Udeaja Prize, which came with N50,000 and a university scholarship. His emotional acceptance speech was a highlight of the event.
Chief Obinna Ufudo expressed his gratitude to all attendees and reiterated his vision of making Nnobi a hub of innovation and excellence. With the foundation’s initiatives, that vision is steadily becoming a reality.