If there is any parent that knows the importance of allowing children to nurture their passions, it is Mrs Victoria Ahia, mother of three-time winner of the Bishop Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition.
She never approved of 17-year old Fego’s penchant for writing all the time and would have preferred if he read more as serious pupils are meant to do. But he disobeyed.
“When he started writing, I discouraged him,” said the mother of three. “I would say ‘go and read your books; you are a science student’. But he would not listen; instead, he would cover himself with a cloth and continue writing.”
Today, she has forgiven his disobedience – given that that ‘bad’ habit has earned him so many awards and advises other parents to let their wards be even when their ambitions do not match with their (the parents’) aspirations.
“I will advise parents to allow their children to pursue their dreams. We (parents) should not choose for them. We should allow them do whatever they want,” she said.
The fashion designer grinned from ear-to-ear when she posed with her son as he was presented with a cheque of N200,000 by Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola of Lagos for winning the 2012 edition of the Mike Okonkwo essay competition last Thursday.
Last year, Fego, an SS3 pupil of Brilliant Child College, Bariga, won the star prize and was rewarded with a laptop, N100,000 and a plaque. In 2010, when he was in SS1, he was first runner up.
Chief Examiner of the competition, Prof Akachi Ezeigbo was full of praise for the young man’s efforts. She described Fego’s treatise on the topic: “Dependence of Nigerian Economy on Crude Oil: Any Alternatives?” as outstanding, considering that many of the 900 entries received nationwide were poor.
“Fego Ahia’s essay was outstanding in all aspects with hardly any blemish. His grasp of the subject matter were far ahead of others. He deserves the victory and all the encouragement he needs to continue to excel,” she said in her report.
The habit that earned Fego honour started budding about nine years ago. In an interview with The Nation, Fego said though he hopes to study Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, U.S., will remain a rewarding exercise for him.
“I started writing at eight so over the years I try to read newspapers everyday. I write fiction as well. I am on a novel now and I have done some short stories which have won awards.
In preparing for this essay, I felt my experience as a past winner would count. I try to be careful in writing and personally edit my essays. I also crosscheck with opinions in the papers to be sure I am correct. I got information from the internet and newspapers,” he said.
Fego also described the Mike Okonkwo essay as a blessing, saying that since first winning in 2010, he has won other competitions, including one that earned him a trip to Washington D.C.
“I thank God that my hard work paid off. I thank Bishop Okonkwo for this opportunity. This competition has been a blessing. After 2010, I won international awards, including a commonwealth essay competition. Last year, I was invited to Washington D.C. I want to encourage other students to pursue their dreams,” he said.
Second placed winner Chinaza Okoli, was rewarded with N100,000, and a plaque. Her school, Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, Ikeja, got two computers and a printer; while third placed winner, Mark Nwabiankea won N75,000 as well as a computer for his school, Lagos Senior Model College, Badore
Six other finalists, three of them from Vivian Fowler, were rewarded with consolation prize of N20,000.
The Bishop Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competiton is conducted annually to challenge secondary school pupils to write on national issues. The winners are rewarded during the Mike Okonkwo annual lecture, which is part of activities to commemorate the birthday anniversary of Bishop Mike Okonkwo, the presiding Bishop of TREM church.
This year’s lecture, held at the Shell Hall of the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, was delivered by Prof Anya O. Anya and chaired by Chief Philip Asiodu.
