The General Manager, Corporate Communications, Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Dr Obinna Joseph Ezeobi, has unveiled an essay competition for Igboukwu undergraduates.
Ezeobi said the initiative was designed to promote education, intellectual development and writing among young people from the community.
He unveiled the competition at his country home in Igboukwu, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra, during activities marking his Nze na Ozo title initiation.
According to him, education and writing played important roles in preparing young people for leadership and professional success.
“Today, I am unveiling the Dr Obinna Ezeobi Foundation Essay Competition for Igboukwu undergraduate students, and there are prizes to be won,” he said.
Ezeobi said his personal experience had shown that writing could open doors to greater opportunities and help young people develop confidence and leadership qualities.
“I am a writer and have worked on different media platforms. Even where I work today, I am also a writer,” he said.
“With writing, I have excelled in life, and I believe our young people can equally write well and go far places.
“Writing does not only elevate you; it also puts you on the path of leadership,” Ezeobi said.
He urged young people to participate in different social and cultural activities but stressed the need to acquire formal education.
“I enjoin our people to be part of other endeavours of life, but we also need to go to school and be educated,” he said.
Ezeobi described the essay competition as the intellectual dimension of the ceremony, which also featured his traditional Nze na Ozo title initiation.
“We have done the cultural part of today’s event, which is my Nze na Ozo title initiation.
“The unveiling of the Igboukwu undergraduate essay competition is the intellectual part of today’s occasion. I am a man of two parts — cultural and intellectual,” he said.
He said the initiative represented his contribution towards supporting Igboukwu indigenes pursuing higher education.
“This is my support for Igboukwu sons and daughters in higher institutions. It is important that we encourage our sons and daughters in learning institutions,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr Teleola Oyeleke, Assistant Manager, Planning and Internal Policy, NCDMB, commended Ezeobi for investing in human capital development.
Oyeleke, in an interview with Summitnews.com.ng, described the initiative as a demonstration of Ezeobi’s commitment to giving back to his community.
According to him, the event combined cultural recognition with an educational intervention aimed at inspiring young people.
“It is a two-in-one event. He took the Ozo title and also launched the Dr Obinna Ezeobi Foundation through the commencement of an essay competition for undergraduates in Igboukwu.
“This is a way of giving back to the society that built him. It is encouraging, and we call on others to emulate it,” he said.
Oyeleke said Ezeobi’s conferment with the Nze title also reflected his contributions to the cultural development of the community.
He attributed the recognition to Ezeobi’s hard work, diligence and commitment to the growth of Igboukwu.
He said the initiative could inspire other individuals to support education and contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities.
The event was attended by Chief Ifeanyi Ezeife, Chief Nathan Egba, a two-time former Commissioner for Information in Bayelsa, former commissioners, members of the state legislature and academics.
Also in attendance were past Presidents-General of Igboukwu and other prominent indigenes of the community.