Chevron rewards outstanding students

Determined to sustain excellence in the education system, the oil giant, Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) has rewarded no fewer than six students for their outstanding performance in the essay competition instituted by the oil firm in Delta State.

The students are winners of the 15th edition of the Chris Ikomi Memorial Essay competition, with the theme: “Protecting People and the Environment.”

The yearly competition was instituted by NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture to immortalise Ikomi, a member of staff of the company, who was killed during the Warri ethnic crisis in 1991.

The winners in the Junior Secondary School category are Izibili Bella, a pupil of Springfield School, Sapele; Idris Taofeeq of Jenny Secondary School, Ekete; and Esiehor Oghene a pupil of Challenge Academy, Orhuwhorun.

In the Senior Secondary School category the winners are Ogbeide Christabel, an orphan and a student of Kudos Model School, Orhuwhorun; Emetitiri Oghenerunor of Challenge Academy, Orhuwhorun and Ojadovba Emuobonuvie, a student of Our Lady of Nigeria Secondary School, Oghara.

Of the 4,550 students, who entered for the competition at the Local Government Council level, only 450 qualified for the state finals in which the six students emerged for the final stage with three per category.

The General-Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs (PGPA) of the company, Deli Haastrup said the competition is an ideal way to manage conflict and instill essential life skills and knowledge for selfempowerment in the youths for nation building through creative thinking and writing.

He said: “Through this essay competition, we seek to continually remind ourselves of the loss which we suffer as a result of violence and invariably the lack of virtues of the skill of engagement.

The essay competition aimed at promoting the study of English Language usage among students in public and private secondary schools in Delta State, as well as boost fluency by means of articulating words and opinion excellently in English language.”

While he noted that the skills in English would, no doubt, have direct positive impact on the students’ studies, examinations and life after formal education, Haastrup explained that since the competition was launched in 2001, it has enhanced education standard in the state.

According to him, this is demonstrated through the topics, which he said “have tasked participants’ intellect and help in bringing about development.”

Haastrup, who was represented at the ceremony by Mr. Brikinn Esimaje, one of Chevron’s Area Managers, attested to the fruitful partnership between the company and the Delta State Government, saying the kinsmen of Ikomi have proudly identified with the competition and awards since its inception 15 years ago.


SOURCE: NEW TELEGRAPH