PAAYEF commemorates Kogi COS two years in office with spelling bee, quiz competition
Organizers of the popular inter-school competition across Kogi State, the Pharmacist Abdulkareem Asuku Youth Empowerment Foundation (PAAYEF), today organized a spelling bee and quiz competition among selected secondary schools to celebrate Pharmacist Abdulkareem Asuku’s two years in office as the Chief of Staff to Kogi State Governor.
The event which took place at the government house in Lokoja, featured spelling bee, mathematics and current affairs quiz segments. Esther Itopa from Harmony secondary school emerged as winner, while Hassan Mustapha from ASCO comprehensive secondary school 1 Ajaokuta, and Adajili John from Army Day secondary school, Lokoja emerged second and third positions respectively.
In her opening remarks, the PAAYEF focal person, Hon. Sandra Musa, said the Chief of Staff who is also the founder of PAAYEF is a lover of education and is passionate about academic development, adding that he is using every opportunity to contribute to it.
“What better way to celebrate such a personality than to indulge in the activities which he is passionate about”, she said.
Hon Sandra appreciated Pharmacist Asuku for providing the platform for children to showcase their potentials and get reward for excellence, adding that the PAAYEF quiz and essay competition which is currently in its finals is serving as morale boost for students to pursue excellence in their education.
A class mate of Pharmacist Asuku who is currently the Chairman of Ajaokuta local government area, Prince Mustapha Akaaba while giving a brief about the celebrant said the COS showed traits of intelligence very early in life as he represented Abdul Azeez Attah Memorial College in several quiz competitions among secondary schools in Okene Local Government Area.
Identified as Halogen due to his brilliance and radiating personality, Prince Akaaba said Pharmacist Asuku was a motivation to many of them in school as they became serious with their studies due to the influence of Asuku.
He said the character of Pharmacist Asuku is to encourage others to strive for academic excellence, adding that he still continues to pursue that passion through PAAYEF.
The Commissioner for Works and Housing, Hon. Abubakar Ohere, in his goodwill message said the spelling bee as an epoch making event which has great impact on the lives of the participants and attendees.
He described Pharmacist Asuku as a compassionate leader who is more concerned about human capital development.
The Commissioner who pledged to support the participating schools with the sum of five hundred thousand naira each, made a call on all stakeholders to join hands with PAAYEF in supporting academic growth.
On his part, the Rector, Kogi State Polytechnic, Dr. Usman Ogbo, described Pharmacist Asuku as a humble and courageous leader who motivates others to grow.
He said his character of always giving back to the society is commendable and worthy of emulation.
He made a cash donation to the three participants of the quiz.
Governor Yahaya Bello, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Mrs. Folashade Arike congratulated the chief of staff on his second year in office. He described him as humble and a quintessential administrator who is touching lives positively.
The governor admonished parents to strive in giving their wards the best of education that they can afford, promising that his administration will continue to ensure a secure environment and a provide a conducive environment for learning.
He urged the students to be obedient and study hard to become worthy ambassadors of the state and country.
Highlights of the event was the presentation of a brand new lap top to the winner, and cultural displays by students from various schools.
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