BY SUZY CHUKWUECHEDOM / ONITSHA
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With gratitude, the management and staffs of the Christ the King College (CKC) Onitsha , Anambra State has celebrated and awarded the students of the college whom they called “the Golden boys” that won gold in the recent World Affairs Challenge competition held recently at Denver Colorado, United State of America.
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The winning students include Ekufu Ernest , Obuna Tochukwu, Umeodinka Emmanuel, Ejike Ekene and Ubah Jason together with their coach, Mr. John Onuigbo.
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The Golden boys were said to have 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 thereby defeating US and Turkey after beating the African Regional Champions to emerge world champions.
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The elaborate reception held in their honour attracted the presence of the Commissioner for Education, Prof Ngozi Chuma-Udeh among other dignitaries.
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Principal/ Manager of the College, Rev. Fr, Dr Celestine Arinze Okonkwo who was in Denver Colorado to receive the insignia of victory for the students and the college , while making a speech appreciated Archbishop Valerian Okeke for providing the leadership, guidance , support and impetus to their drive and commitment to excellence.
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He also lauded Governor Soludo and his team in the field of education noting that winning the competition has been a remarkable journey for the college.
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“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”
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“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.
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“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.
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Senior Prefect of the College, Umeodinka Emmanuel in a speech 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.
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“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.
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Anambra State Chairman of Post Primary Schools Services Commission, Prof Nkechi Ikediugwu in a remark said that CKC with the victory has shown the world the can-do spirit of Nigerians and Anambra in particular.
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Chairman, Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr Vera Nwadinobi also lauded the feat achieved by the college and the students and expressed happiness the effective mentoring of the young one in the college is producing excellent results.
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Commissioner for Education, Prof Ngozi Chuma Udeh who was so elated on the positive development jokingly said that in her next world if there is reincarnation, she would transit to a man and will also school in CKC, Onitsha.
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She said the children have inspired her by the feat they achieved while there is light already at the middle of the tunnel considering the ground breaking achievements of young people in Nigeria today that have chosen to follow the right path instead of chasing vices.
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She tasked the children to always aspire for the things that are noble and endeavour to ask themselves questions on what they have achieved positively in each passing day.
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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.
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The World Affairs Challenge organised by WorldDenver, 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.
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