4th January, 2012
Worried by the prevalent decline in reading culture among secondary school students and the erroneous belief that youngsters must take part in one reality show or talent hunt that emphasizes their beauty and physical attributes to win prizes, Nollywood A-list actor, Osita Kenneth Iheme a.k.a. Pawpaw has instituted a quiz competition for secondary schools in Mbaitoli, Imo state.
Aptly named Osita Iheme Quiz Competition, the 2nd edition of the annual event with the theme: READ AND LEAD, READERS ARE LEADERS held on 19 December, 2011 at the Elix Hotels, Akwakuma, Orlu road Owerri.
At the end of the competition, various cash prizes, educational materials and laptop computers were presented to deserving students and schools.
In the 2011 event, ten schools from Mbaitoli LGA participated in the quiz competition and at the end of the two-hour grueling but exciting contest, Basic Comprehensive Secondary School, Mbieri, Imo State, carried the day while Girls Secondary School, Ubomiri, that came last in the maiden edition made a very strong showing by taking the second position.
Chioma Nweke, emerged the best overall student, as she pulled 39 points for answering more questions than any student present.
For her effort, she won a Zenox laptop and cash prize. The second best student also got a laptop while consolation prizes went to other students and schools.
The quiz competition started with five students being accredited from each school except for Good Morning International Secondary School that was represented by a single student who even though did not win, was given a cash prize by the organiser for her gallantry.
The rule of the competition was spelt out clearly and adhered to strictly. To ensure fair play and transparency, journalists were selected as the panelists. The questions drawn from English, Mathematics, Biology, Government, and current affairs (International and National) each attracted 5 points while bonus answer was awarded 3 points.
At the end of the competition, all present praised the Iheme initiative and urged other well to do citizens to institute projects that will impact positively on the society. Osita Iheme in a chat with newsmen stated, “I am very happy with the standard of the questions and the competitive spirit exhibited by the students. It shows that a little effort by all stakeholders will rejuvenate our reading culture.â€
Iheme further revealed that he was moved to institute the competition last year when he realised that the average youth was paying less and less attention to reading. He pledged that once certain structures are firmly in place, that he will take the competition to a national level.