“Education key to combatting unemployment, criminality” — Tony Okocha

In a compelling address at the grand finale of the inaugural “Tony Okocha Quiz and Essay Competition,” Tony Okocha, the Rivers State representative on the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), underscored the transformative power of education in addressing the twin challenges of unemployment and criminality.

Okocha articulated that education is not merely a tool but a potent weapon essential for societal progress and stability.

Okocha, who is also the chairman of the caretaker committee of the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), emphasised the importance of educational initiatives as a means to foster intellectual growth and societal harmony.

“Our aim is to contribute to the society by nurturing the minds of future leaders. Education is a formidable tool to combat criminality and develop our youth,” he stated.

The competition, themed “Local Government Autonomy; Bedrock for Rural Development,” saw participation from 20 schools across Rivers State. Okocha highlighted that such engagements offer a platform for students to showcase their intellectual capabilities and gain recognition. He commended the event’s facilitator, Comrade Endwell Otonna, President of the Progressive Youths and Students Network (PYSN), for organizing what he described as a life-changing event.

In his remarks, Okocha reassured the audience of his commitment to making the competition an annual event, promising more extensive participation and greater rewards in subsequent editions.

“At the end of this event, we might decide to offer scholarships in addition to the awards, starting immediately,” he announced, signaling a potential for significant educational support.

The competition concluded with Praise Okirie securing first place in the essay category with 98 points, followed by Nwosu Chicuara and Nwafor Chikwuka with 95 and 90 points respectively.

In the quiz category, Blessed Children Academy emerged victorious, while Praise El Premier School and Emilo Piazza Memorial College took the second and third positions. The overall winners received substantial rewards, including cash prizes and laptops, with the first position in the quiz category earning a two hundred thousand naira prize and a laptop.

Okocha also took the opportunity to address political dynamics within the state, clarifying that his criticisms of Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration were constructive and not borne out of animosity.

“We are Governor Fubara’s best friends. True friendship means constructive criticism aimed at better governance,” he remarked.

Facilitator Comrade Endwell Otonna expressed gratitude to Chief Tony Okocha for his sponsorship and urged other political leaders to emulate such impactful initiatives. He praised the participants for their enthusiasm and intellectual prowess, noting that the competition spanned from June 27 to July 3, 2024.

The event not only highlighted the importance of education in societal development but also showcased the potential of youth when given the right opportunities and support.

As Okocha aptly put it, “The quiz and essay competition affords us the opportunity to show ourselves not as troublemakers, but as contributors to society’s betterment.”