NNPCL/Chevron Joint Ventures, in partnership with the Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN) has presented the star prize of the 2024 Awokoya Memorial Competition in Chemistry to the winner Miss Nwogwu Udoka at a ceremony held at the Petroleum Training Institute, (PTI), Conference Centre, in Effurun, Delta State.
Miss Nwogwu, a Senior Secondary Student 3, of the Delta Careers College, Ugboroke Uvwie Local Government Area came top in the competition and was given her cheque alongside other winners. Consolation prizes also went to some of the participants.
In a goodwill message from the Chairman and Managing Director of Chevron, Jim Swartz, Chairman/ Managing Director, Chevron Nigeria Ltd read by his representative, Mr Rotimi Awotuyi, Senior Community Engagement Advisor of Chevron at the ceremony lauded the winners and participants.
He added that “We have today seen a sustained commitment to the subject of Chemistry as demonstrated by the outcomes of the various stages of examinations in the 2024 edition. Please join me to applaud this partnership.”
According to Jim Swartz speech, “The Awokoya Chemistry Competition was initiated to promote the study of the subject among secondary school students and in memory of Professor Stephen Awokoya, a great Chemist, who died on March 15, 1985. Since 1992 till date, the NNPCL/CNL Joint Venture is honored to have been the sole sponsor of the competition in Delta State.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, this Chevron-sponsored competition has engendered great interest in the study of Chemistry among secondary school students.
“The 2024 edition saw an increased participation by students by over twelve per cent (12%), with as much as 507 students from 235 schools participating from the first stage.
“We have evidence of the value of this competition as some past winners have gone further to become national champions in other Chemistry competitions.
“I am delighted to say that for this year’s national competition the first position is occupied by a student from Delta State. Kindly join me to applaud the student, his teacher and the Delta State chapter of the Chemical Society of Nigeria.
“It may interest you to know that for this year’s edition, students from Delta State took the first, second, third and fourth positions in the South-South zonal examination which comprises Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Rivers States.
“This builds on last year’s performance where, at the National Chemistry Competition, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd positions were occupied by students from the state.
“It is, indeed, a trend that awardees in the Delta State competition hold their heads high among top awardees across the country.”
In their separate remarks, the National President of Chemical Society of Nigeria, Prof Rufus Sha’Ato and the Delta State Chapter Chairman of the Association, Mr Koida Owate, expressed gratitude to Chevron for the annual competition, saying it has contributed immensely in building students in chemistry and related subjects.
“We are delighted to state that your sponsorship has been the bane of the outstanding performance of our students in this competition, Delta state clinched first, second and third prizes respectively at the national competition.
“The annual Awokoya Memorial Chemistry Examination competition has indeed been a blessing to Delta state, the purpose for which this program is instituted is being achieved.”
Also speaking, the Delta State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs Rose Ezewu, who was represented by Dr. Olori Ogheneovo Benjamin, commended the Chemical Society of Nigeria, Delta State Chapter for organising this annual event, which has been running for 36 years.
She noted that the programme which runs annually is a testament to the Society’s commitment to promoting Chemistry education and excellence among secondary school students in Delta State, and also congratulate the winners of the Awokoya Memorial Chemistry Competition/Award, as well as those students working hard to win, wishing all continue success in your future endeavors.
The event was attended by delegates from all state chapters of CSN and representative of the Managing Director, WRPC, Engineer Efifia S. Chu who was represented by Mrs Enita Ovuoronyen.
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