Fr. Okhueleigbe Osemhantie, PhD
While the world marked St. Valentine’s Day, Ibagwa-Aka in Nsukka, Enugu State, became the epicenter of a remarkable celebration of education, talent, and transformation. Twenty-nine secondary schools—comprising government-owned, private, Christian, and Muslim institutions, with over one thousand students in attendance—converged at the Rauf Badamosi Stadium for a landmark event organized by the Building Bridges of Faith Across Africa Initiative (BBI). This impactful program, fully sponsored by the Cheif Mark Obetta Foundation, was centered on the theme, “The Yahoo Menace and Its Implications for the Future.”
The event featured an opening remark by Sr. Dr. Elizabeth Titilayo Aduloju, SSMA, the National Coordinator of BBI Nigeria and the Chairperson of the event. Additionally, Emmanuel Nwanfor delivered an enlightening talk on the activities of BBI, while Miss Edelquinn Clementina Akhihir of the Pan-African Catholic Theological and Pastoral Network (PACTPAN) provided a brief but compelling address on PACTPAN.
A fiercely contested spelling bee, moderated by Mr. Emmanuel Nwanfor, saw Obinna Cletus of St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School emerged as the victor, earning a full tuition scholarship for the 2024/2025 academic session. The highlight of the day was the Talent Hunt Competition, presided over by Fr. Dr. Okhueleigbe Osemhantie Ã. as the chief judge, alongside Fr. Humphrey Obinna Asogwa, Mrs. Ifeoma Ugwuja, and Mrs. Lovina Ugwu. Students showcased an impressive array of talents, including dance, singing, poetry recitation, artwork, oratory, drama, comedy, cultural displays, instrumental performances, fashion design, and creative writing. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as competitors vied for the top honours.
The climax of the event came with the announcement of the winners. St. Andrew College secured the first position, earning a solar inverter and panels for their school library. St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School placed second and was awarded a complete set of desktop computers, while Community Secondary School, Unado, took third place, receiving cartons of assorted academic books. St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School was also named the Best Performing School and claimed the championship trophy in recognition of its overall outstanding performance.
Hon. Mark Obetta, ably represented by Dr. Ekwe Dike of the Theatre Arts Department, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, addressed the participants with an impassioned speech: “Do not be tempted by the false promises of the Yahoo menace. Do not be lured by quick fixes, seemingly easy solutions, and get-rich-quick schemes. Instead, choose the path of principle, integrity, and hard work.”
Following the event, Rev. Fr. Fidelis Asadu, Administrator of St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School, commended the students for their dedication and applauded the organizers for creating such a powerful platform for young minds.
Mrs. Ugwu-Owo Juliet, a classroom teacher at St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School, described the initiative as “a transformative movement,” emphasizing its role in promoting academic excellence and fostering creativity among students.
Agbo Christabel, a student of St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School, expressed excitement over the experience, stating, “This competition has given us the opportunity to learn, compete, and grow. It has been truly inspiring.”
In the closing remarks, Sr. Dr. Elizabeth Titilayo Aduloju, SSMA expressed profound gratitude to representatives from other states, officials of the Pan-African Catholic Theological and Pastoral Network (PACTPAN), and Hon. Chidi Mark Obetta for their great support. She also lauded the exceptional organizational abilities of Fr. James Ogbuigbo, Chairman of the BBI Planning Committee. Applauding the success of the initiative, she expressed confidence in its continued expansion, reaching more schools across Nigeria and Africa.
As the sun set over Igboeze South Constitutency, the echoes of talent, learning, and transformation lingered in the air—a demonstration of the enduring impact of education and mentorship in shaping the future of Nigerian youth.
