It was a battle of intellect and brilliance as public senior secondary schools from across Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency came head-to-head in the highly anticipated Interschool Quiz Competition sponsored by the Umeha Care and Empowerment Foundation. The competition, themed “Battle of The Brains,” which kicked off on June 10, culminated in a thrilling finale on June 27, 2025, with Model Secondary School, Amandim-Olo emerging victorious as the overall champions.
Girls Secondary School, Ngwo secured second place, while St. Theresa’s College, Abor clinched the third position in what has been described as an epoch-making intellectual showdown.
The grand finale attracted dignitaries and well-meaning individuals from all walks of life, including traditional rulers, educators, policymakers, and community leaders. One of the highlights of the event was the inspiring speech delivered by HRH Igwe Engr. Ikwueze George C., who hailed the Foundation for its commitment to educational development.
“We sincerely commend the Foundation for their vision and commitment to youth and educational development through this noble initiative. The benefits of this competition extend beyond the immediate winners — it has enriched the minds of all participants, their schools, and indeed, the entire school system,” Igwe Ikwueze remarked.
Also in attendance was HRH Igwe Dr. Ralph Okolo, who offered prayers for the continued success of future editions of the competition.
In his heartfelt closing remarks, Rt. Hon. Sunday Umeha, Member Representing Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency and Chairman of the Umeha Care and Empowerment Foundation, expressed his joy at the competition’s impact.
“I am overwhelmed with joy seeing our public schools shine in such a glorious light. Education remains the highest empowerment on earth — it is our passport to the future,” he stated, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to investing in quality education.
One of the most celebrated moments of the day was the presentation of a Letter of Commendation and Full Scholarship Award to Master Aniebo Makoochukwu of Model Secondary School, Olo, who not only played a pivotal role in his school’s victory but also scored an impressive 307 in the just-concluded UTME. He is set to study Medicine and Surgery, fully sponsored by the Foundation.
Prizes awarded include:
🥇 Winner – Model Secondary School, Olo: N1,000,000 and a Trophy
🥈 2nd Place – Girls Secondary School, Ngwo: N500,000
🥉 3rd Place – St. Theresa’s College, Abor: N300,000
In addition, all quarter-finalists were granted free JAMB registration under the Foundation’s annual scholarship scheme, and the top four participants received individual cash prizes.
Hon. Umeha extended his appreciation to the organising committee, led by Engr. Raphael Chima (SPA on Education), Dr. Johnpaul Amuka, Engr. Sam Ozonkem, and the entire planning team, for their dedication and devotion to the programme’s success.
The Member, representing Ukwa East/West Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on South East Development Commission (SEDC), Hon. Chris Nkwonta, has enjoined his Constituents and Nigerians, to imbibe the virtues of sacrifice, forgiveness, hope, patience, humility and love for humanity as exemplified by Our Lord Jesus Christ, which is the real essence of Easter Celebration.
In a statement personally signed by the Legislator, he called on his Constituents and the Christian Community in Nigeria to demonstrate Christ-like virtues of love for humanity, hope for a better future, peaceful and harmonious disposition in their dealings with one another for a United Ukwa Federal Constituency and indeed Nigeria, where brotherly love reigns amongst Citizens.
He maintained that despite the prevailing temporary economic difficulties; there is light at the end of the tunnel and strong hope for a better, improved and secured economy within a short period of time.
Hon. Nkwonta, wished everyone a hitch free and joyous Easter Celebration!
The Rivers State Police Command has declared that the tragic death of a 26-year-old lady, Peace Moses, an indigene of Akwa Ibom State, was not reported in any of its divisions or units across the state.
Peace was knocked down last Monday evening by a convoy of about 15 fast-moving vehicles around Omega Junction along Ada-George Road in Port Harcourt.
She was returning from an evening service at her church, Love Channel Christian Centre, also located along Ada-George Road, when the tragic incident occurred.
Last Thursday, a candlelight procession was organised in her honour by her friends and neighbours.
Speaking with our correspondent in Port Harcourt yesterday, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Grace Iringe-Koko, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), wondered why neighbours could not report the incident to the Police.
Iringe-Koko stated that even the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the Rumuepirikom Police Division was unaware of the tragic incident.
“Probably they didn’t report any such incident to the Police Station because the DPO in charge of that area is asking me where and when the incident occurred.
See, if they don’t report cases to the Police, how would the Police know? We are not magicians. I just spoke with the DPO, and she said she is not aware of anything like that.
“Somebody needs to report or anyhow, information needs to get through so that we too will get it,” she said.
But reacting to the claim by the Police, a human rights lawyer, Courage Nsirimovu, said that, with or without a report on the tragic incident, the Police are duty-bound to investigate the matter.
Nsirimovu said: “The duty of the Nigerian police is to secure lives and properties, and where a life has been lost in such grievous circumstances, the police have a duty to investigate the matter on the basis of their mandate and the public need to prevent such a menace to human life.
“The Police have a duty to investigate the matter, with or without a petition.”
The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, on Sunday said many Nigerians might seek a constitutional amendment to allow President Bola Tinubu to remain in office beyond two terms.
The monarch, in a congratulatory message by his spokesperson, Ibrahim Alli, to celebrate Tinubu’s 74th birthday, described the President as a decisive leader who has laid a renewed foundation of hope for the country.
“Many Nigerians may beg for a constitutional review for Tinubu to spend more than two terms in office. He is a leader who knows what he is doing,” he said.
Oluwo said the President had distinguished himself through what he described as a firm campaign against illegalities that had stalled the country’s economic growth.
He added that the President’s administrative prowess had driven notable gains, citing improvements in the naira, a rise in foreign reserves from about $1bn to between $49.5bn and $50.45bn as of late February/March 2026, and strengthened economic indices.
The monarch attributed the gains to structural reforms, including exchange rate unification, increased oil output and higher foreign investment inflows.
Oluwo also commended Tinubu for granting local government autonomy, increasing allocations to states, expanding road infrastructure and improving palliative distribution at the grassroots.
According to him, past leaders attempted similar economic reforms but were overwhelmed by public and political pressure.
He said only a capable leader could implement tough but necessary decisions to reposition the economy.
Oluwo added that the President’s policies had begun to impact the standard of living, noting that the next phase would be stability.
He said, “You are not yet a capable leader until you make decisions and stand by them. Many past presidents attempted to remove obstacles to economic prosperity but were overrun by public outcries. Tinubu has demonstrated uncommon leadership through reforms.
“Nigeria’s foreign reserves have increased to over $49.5bn from about $1bn. Local government autonomy is taking effect, states earn more, and road projects, including Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road and Sokoto-Badagry, are ongoing.”