The Anambra State government held a reception ceremony to celebrate the students of Christ the King College, CKC, Onitsha, for winning the World Affairs Challenge competition, held at Denver, Colorado in the United States of America, USA.
Speaking during the reception held in the honour of the students at the CKC school in Onitsha, on Friday, the State Commissioner for Education, Professor Ngozi Chuma-Udeh said the students have inspired her and every other person with their achievement.
Professor Chuma-Udeh, who spoke on behalf of the State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo said the students deserved commendation for making the state and Nigeria at large proud through the feat.
Professor Chuma-Udeh said that ”Christ the King College Onitsha is one of the best Secondary Schools in Nigeria.”
“On behalf of Mr Governor, we congratulate and celebrate devotion, consistency and unwavering excellence, brighter future, children who are going to take us to the promised land. We are here to celebrate the brightest and greatest.
“Amidst Nigeria’s numerous woes, I see light at the middle of the tunnel. Our future is no longer a mirage. I also see solutions to our environment with this crop of students. You have all inspired not just me, but the whole of Anambra people and Nigeria,” She said.
The Chairman, Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Dr. Mrs. Vera Nwadinobi commended the school, particularly the Principal, who she described as passionate, especially with regards to mentoring young minds. She also appreciated those who mentored the students to clinch the golden trophy.
On her part, the chairman, Post Primary School Service Commission, Prof. Nkechi Ikediugwu lauded the school for setting the pace for others, saying, “We are proud of you for defeating USA, Turkey and other countries that participated in the tournament.
“CKC with this victory, has shown the we can do it’ spirit of Nigerians and Anambra in particular.”
The Principal and Manager of the College, Rev. Fr. Celestine Arinze Okonkwo who was in Denver Colorado to receive the insignia of victory for the students and the college, appreciated Archbishop Valerian Okeke of Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha for providing the leadership, guidance , support and impetus to their drive and commitment to excellence.
He also thanked Governor Soludo and his team in the field of education, noting that winning the competition has been a remarkable journey for the college.
“A journey driven by the dedication, perseverance and an unyielding commitment to excellence. Indeed , the World Affairs Challenge is helping to shape our children for leadership roles in the future . It challenges us as education leaders to continue examining our curriculum vis-a-vis the social issues and problem that it is meant to solve”
“I see education as a process of socialisation, human development and empowerment. To educate a child is to equip him with the skills he requires to live a meaningful and impactful life. These life skills, in my opinion, should cover the cognitive, affective, spiritual, social , psychological and motor-ability.
“Presently we are obsessed with test scores , grades, and certificates than empowering the young with life skills that will not only make them successful but help them solve problems in their immediate and wider environment” he said.
One of the students who represented the school in the competition, Umeodinka Emmanuel described the victory as not only a single win but a saga of perseverance echoing their relentless spirit. A victory he said transcends a mere trophy but speaks volumes about the boundless potential of the Nigerian youth.
“Wise tales by Primus isn’t the culmination of our journey, its merely the thrilling first chapter. Together we can transform the project into a powerful instrument of change, reaching millions of young people across the globe,” he said.
Goodwill messages poured in from the old boys association of the college, the parents teachers dialogue forum while presentation of trophies and certificates of excellence marked other highlights of the reception.
The World Affairs Challenge organised by World Denver, empowers high school students to develop innovative solutions for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). This year, the students tackled critical issues like climate change, poverty and inequality.
The winning students now christened the “Golden Boys” for achieving that rare feat included Ekufu Ernest, Obuna Tochukwu, Umeodinka Emmanuel, Ejike Ekene and Ubah Jason.
Together with their coach, Mr. John Onuigbo, they impressed the judges with their impactful project “Wise Tales by Primus” a captivating series of digital comic stories addressing environmental degradation, climate change and substance abuse with the aim of raising awareness and inspiring change among young people.
They defeated US and Turkey after beating the African Regional Champions to emerge world champions in April,2024.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
