UBA Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of UBA Plc says its investment through the National Essay Competition for students across Ghana would deepen the competitive spirit among them.
Abiola Bawuah, managing director/CEO, UBA Ghana, while speaking at the grand finale of the National Essay Competition held in Ghana, congratulated the finalists, referring to them as winners for taking a step of faith by participating in the competition.
Bawuah noted that over the years, UBA has consistently taken the lead in investing in the lives of future leaders and is always motivated by the successes of the winners who go on to excel in their chosen careers.
Hannah Akahoho Segbefia, a 17 year old student of Wesley Girl’s Senior High School (SHS) emerged overall winner of the 2016 edition of the UBA Foundation National Essay competition, winning the sum of $5,000.00 as an educational grant to study in any African university of her choice.
Ijeoma Aso, MD/CEO, UBA Foundation in her remarks commended the finalists, noting that, they scaled the initial hurdles which qualified their entries to be chosen from the numerous entries received for the competition nationwide and stating that it was a feat worthy of commendation.
According to Aso, UBA Foundation makes it a point of duty to give back to communities where UBA operates through its focus areas. Education, she noted, is one of the Foundation’s focus areas because students today are leaders of tomorrow, which means education is the bedrock of any nation.
She went on to encourage finalists to be good ambassadors of the competition that is in its third year in Ghana and affirmed that the competition will be held every year.
The minister of education, Ghana was represented at the event by Felicia Boakye Yiadem, who is the director for Curriculum Research and Development. While delivering her speech, highlighted strong points of the UBA Foundation National Essay Competition, one of which she says has contributed to grooming outstanding leaders. According to her “The competition allows every student exhibit hidden talents and potential while developing a positive work ethic with problem solving and critical thinking skills
The judges, led by the head of department, English, University of Ghana, Jemimah Anderson said, they were impressed with the participants who showed a lot of promise as to what to expect of the future of Ghana, noting that the students wrote intelligently and their ideas were well articulated, new and refreshing. They were also encouraged that the students sent entries from all parts of Ghana.
The first and second runners up prize was won by 16 year old Kasha Kuipo of St Mary’s SHS and Angaag Nathaniel Awentiirin, 17 of Nungua SHS who both took home the sum of $3500 and $2000 respectively as educational grant.
KELECHI EWUZIE
