Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — State Primary School II, Elele-Okinali in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, Tuesday emerged the winner of 2019 NNPC/TEPNG quiz, spelling and comprehension competition for primary schools.
The competition, according to Total Exploration and Production Limited, was organised for 16 public primary schools in Elele Alimini, Elele Okinali, Ndele and Rumuekpe host and pipeline communities of OML58.
Speaking at the event, Total Deputy Manager, Community Affairs and Development, Mr James Urho, said the competition is part of TEPNG’s efforts at encouraging the development and growth of quality education in her host communities.
Urho said the competition was particularly giving attention to pupils in public primary schools as a way of grooming them towards appreciating the use of English.
“This yearly programme is part of TEPNG’s efforts at encouraging the development and growth of quality education in our host communitiesn as well as the need to complement the State Government’s effort towards stimulating interest in books and reading amongst the youths of this state
“It is our continued hope that this competition will serve to sustain and simplify our students’ use of English as an invaluable tool in their academics. We are through this programme, giving particular attention to pupils in our primary schools as a way of grooming them towards appreciating the use of English as one of the most important subjects needed to excel during the course of their primary and secondary education and beyond.
“I urge the teachers, facilitators and resource persons to spare nothing at continually enriching the curriculum to deliver on your set objectives. As for the students, please always remember that you are the future of Nigeria. Think at all times, what you can do or contribute to make Nigeria a better place for you and others coming after you.”
Urho, represented by Head, Scholarship, Mr. Stephen Iwayemi, said Total has continued to annually sponsor in her host communities, other educational development programmes including scholarships, skills acquisition and adult literacy programmes, among others.
“In furtherance of her Corporate Social Responsibility, NNPC/TEPNG Joint ventures has continued to annually sponsor in her host communities of Rivers State, other educational development programmes including but not limited to the award of scholarships at post-primary, post-secondary, post-graduate local and foreign levels to deserving scholars of the communities. We also sponsor skills dcquisition and adult literacy programmes, build, renovate schools and dOnate educational equipment as well as other learning materials.
“These are some of our humble contributions to the development of education in this state with the full understanding that quality education is the veritable tool for sustainable development of any community or nation.
“As partners and stakeholders, it is the prayer of our management that you will continue to sustain and support the peaceful and harmonious relationships that we have enjoyed over the years, both in our operations and in our efforts to deliver on sustainable development.”
At the end of the event, State Primary School III, Elele Okinali took second position, while State Primary School I clinched the third position.
Pupils of State Primary School II, Elele Okinali, Victory Michael and Dimkpa Chidinma, who won the competition for their school, commended Total for setting up the competition for rural schools.
Dimkpa Chidinma particularly said she read everyday in preparation for the competition and also teach children in her compound.
“I feel very happy and I say thank you to Total. We appreciate Almighty God and Total for their support to community primary schools,” they pupils said.
Also speaking, a representative of Universal Basic Education, Emohua Zonal Office, Mr. Ohaka Bob, called on other corporate organizations and oil multinationals in the state to emulate TEPNG.
“A child can be anywhere and still be able to be educated properly. I am really encouraged and I crave the indulgence of other corporate organizations to emulate Total because we need more of these competitions in our rural schools.”