In a determined effort to uplift the youth and promote education within their community, the Potential Star Garden Ezinifite in Aguata Local Government Area, in partnership with the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ezinifite Chapter, successfully organized the 2024 Ezinifite Best Student Challenge and Youth Empowerment Programme.
The event featured a variety of competitions aimed at testing the knowledge and skills of students and pupils residing in the community, including both indigenes and non-indigenes. Participants were assessed through written quizzes covering English Language, Mathematics, and Current Affairs. Additionally, secondary school students engaged in oral presentations, while primary school pupils participated in debates.
At the conclusion of the competitions, Master Ifeanyi Ughadimma, a student from Mother of Christ Secondary School, Ezinifite, emerged as the overall best in the quiz competition, earning a prize of N50,000. Master Pius Benedict, also from Mother of Christ Secondary School, was recognized as the best in debate and awarded N20,000. Various other participants received consolation cash prizes for their efforts.
Furthering their commitment to education, the organizers paid the school fees for eight pupils from Emmanuel Nursery and Primary School, Ezinifite, and provided financial support of N20,000 each to three youths in the community to assist them in their business ventures.
Comrade Emmanuel Umenze, Founder of Potential Star Garden Ezinifite, highlighted that the event, now in its fifth year, aims to pool resources to promote education, equip young people with essential skills, and help them realize their potential. He expressed gratitude to key supporters, including Chief Cosmas Ilo and Mrs. Obianuju Oranu, for their contributions in making the event a success and vowed to continue the program in the future.
Dr. Chibueze Ofobuike, the Transition Committee Chairman of Aguata Council Area, represented by Comrade Mmaduabuchi Ezekafor, Coordinator of NYCN in the LGA, emphasized NYCN’s role in fostering youth engagement in politics and encouraging stakeholders to prioritize youth welfare and empowerment, which is yielding positive outcomes.
Igwe Chukwuma Bob-Orji, Chairman of Anambra South Traditional Rulers’ Council and Traditional Ruler of the community, praised the program’s initiators, stressing the importance of equipping and empowering the youth for a brighter future. Nze Nwora Ekwilo, President General of Ezinifite Improvement Union, pledged unwavering support for the youth’s welfare and urged wealthy individuals in the community to contribute to the expansion of such programs.
Sponsors of the event, including Chief Ilo and Mrs. Oranu, represented by Mr. Chukwuebuka Anyika, expressed their satisfaction with the event’s success, which they believe is helping to shift the mindset of those who view education as unimportant.
In response, Master Ughadimma, one of the beneficiaries, thanked the organizers for their support and promised to remain dedicated to his academics.
The event concluded with a life-changing talk by Rev. Fr. Johnmark Okafor, along with debates, quizzes, musical performances, comedy acts, and the presentation of cheques and certificates to attendees.
