[dropcap]O[/dropcap]il and Gas Major, Chevron Niger Limited, CNL says it started the annual Chris Ikomi Essay Competition 16 years ago to promote the study of English Language and Essay Writing among public and privately owned Secondary School Students in Delta State.The General Manager Policy, Government and Public Affairs, PGPA, Chevron, Mr. Esimaje Brikinn gave the explanation last Wednesday in Asaba, Delta State Capital during the presentation of scholarship awards to the six winners of the 2017 late Chris Ikomi Essay Competition.
The General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Chevron Nigeria Limited, Mr. Esimaje Brikinn has stressed that the commitment of the NNPC/ Chevron Joint Venture towards improving the quality of education in Nigeria is still very firm, due to the believe that education is important for the development of the country.
The PGPA Boss spoke at the Chris Ikomi Memorial Essay Competition award/prize ceremony held Wednesday, January 31 at Conference Hall, Olorogun Felix Ibru Secretariat Complex, Asaba.The event was organized by the Delta State Government and sponsored by the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture.According to him, education remains a veritable tool for personal and societal growth as well as sustainable development.Mr. Brikinn who was represented by PGPA Superintendent, Mr. Tony Emegere, commended the winners of this year’s Chris Ikomi Memorial Essay Competition for their excellent performance and enjoined them to see their performance as the beginning of awards in their academic pursuit.
Delta State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education
Delta State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Chiedu Ebie said the Chris Ikomi Essay competition was established by Chevron to immortalize a staff of CNL, late Chris Ikomi, who lost his life in active service during the 1999 inter-ethnic crisis in Warri. He commended the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture for partnering with the Delta State government in developing the education sector since inception of the competition in the year 2001.
Mr. Ebie said the theme of the 2017 edition of the essay competition ‘The Nigerian Spirit’ is well thought out, adding that the Nigerian spirit is that which refuses to give up in the face of adversity, just as he noted that the competition has continued to witness increased participation by students.
The 2017 Chris Ikomi Essay Competition featured participants from Bomadi, Ndokwa East, Ika South, Oshimili South and Udu Local Government Areas in the senior and junior categories.while Ikede Divine of Patricia High School-Asaba, won the first position, Azubike Success and Esharive Urinirinoghene of Ndam Secondary School, Beneku and Challenge Secondary Academy, DSC, emerged second and third respectively in the junior category.
In the senior category, Miss Didikemien Precious of Kpakiama Secondary School, Kpakiama, Bomadi Local Government won the first position, Okonta Josua of Staff Model Secondary School, College of Education, Agbor, came 2nd, leaving the third position for Akporido Gideon of Challenge Academy, DSC, Udu.
In a remark on behalf of the winners/participants, Miss Didikemien Precious thanked God almighty, NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture, the Delta State Government, her teachers and co-competitors, saying “all of us are winners, but one person have to stand here and that is me”.