IT wasn’t just a poster advert when Queen Sarah Obongha from Cross River State, who is the present face of culture Northern Nigeria 2014 organised a poetry competition for government primary schools in Abuja Municipal Area Council. Her mission was simple; to use education to promote and project the Nigerian culture. Hence, she titled her Pet Project “showcasing arts and culture academically and beyond”.
The poetry competition which was powered by the Face of Culture Organisation, started on December 8, 2014 and came to fruition on February 11, 2015.
The poem competition was meant for pupils in Primaries 4 and 5 and was titled “Our Culture”. They were guaranteed cash prizes of N60, 000, N40, 000 and N20, 000 for the first, second and third place winners respectively, with consolation prizes for the other 13 outstanding participants.
A total of 68 entries were thoroughly assessed and supervised by the Universal Basic Education Board representative, Mrs. Uche and the competition was approved by the Ministry of Education.
Amira Aliyu from LEA Primary School Utako, Abuja, Momoh Mercy from LEA Aleyita, Airport road, Abuja and Dominic Mercy, also from LEA Primary School, Kado Estate, Abuja , all in Primary 5, took 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions respectively.
“They were judged based on their stanza arrangements, pattern and figurative languages, rhyme and similarity of words, punctuation marks and spellings,” said Obongha who added that “all 68 participants had a certificate of participation with various gifts as well.”
Engr. Leye, a philanthropist, was moved by the impressive performance of the overall winner that he opted to sponsor her entire secondary school education. This remarkable gesture has gone a long way in meeting the needs and uplifting the dreams of a brilliant, but less-privileged Nigerian school girl, which of course was made possible with the “Queen Sarah Obongha’s poetry competition”.
The award giving event which was hosted by the winner’s school, was graced by all head teachers and representatives from the 17 schools that participated in the competition, UBEB representatives and the media.
“The winners were delighted and everyone present encouraged the growth of our culture especially the constant use of the Nigerian language which is our identity. Cultural dances and poem recitations were presented by the schools which graced the occasion. Everyone in attendance left with souvenir’s to share with friends,” said Obongha, who noted that she was also applauded and congratulated for a job well done.
The beauty queen also promised to conduct more educational projects if given firm support from the Federal Government, Ministries, Corporate Organisations, the Media and any interested persons. She unveiled a project she would be working on soonest for secondary schools which would be an art competition and the campaign of school farms for students to aid the growth of the agricultural sector which is one of the Nigeria’s oldest cultures.
Expressing her future desire, Obongha said she wishes and hopes to work with the First Lady of Nigeria or that of any northern state on the agricultural project. She noted that it will train students on how to cultivate food crops and meet the needs of their families, irrespective of their career plans and ambitions. She said farm tools, crops, fertilizers and financial aids will be guaranteed for the would-be beneficiaries.
Looking back, Miss Obongha expressed gratitude to her family for their support, while also acknowledging the help rendered by people and organisations such as Arc. Daniel Osuala (D-Designs) for all the creative designs, Mr. Williams Oche(DGP resources limited), Prince Godswill Osim (Eddyliz), Amb. Collins Adeyemi (P-Man’s Gov.), Indomie, Coca-cola, Face of Culture Organisation.