15-Year-Old Onaro Adaeze Chukwuzolem Clinches Victory as UBA Foundation NEC 2023 Winner

In an electrifying climax to the 2023 UBA Foundation National Essay Competition, the resounding victory of 15-year-old Onaro Adaeze Chukwuzolem, a student of Fountain Heights Secondary School in Surulere, Lagos, reverberated through the Tony Elumelu Amphitheatre at UBA House during the Grand Finale. Adaeze emerged as the overall winner, triumphing over 11 other finalists in a competition that drew nearly 12,000 entries from Senior Secondary School students across Nigeria.

As the first of three girls to clinch the top prizes, Adaeze’s exuberant declaration, “Yes!!! I won!! I did it!!!,” encapsulated the historic moment that unfolded in the prestigious venue. The competition, hosted by UBA Foundation, has become a beacon for academic excellence, attracting thousands of young minds and fostering a culture of critical thinking and literacy.

Adaeze’s victory was not only symbolic but also rewarding, as she secured a prestigious scholarship worth N5 million to pursue her studies at any African university of her choice. Additionally, she received a state-of-the-art laptop and other valuable prizes. The elation and gratitude in her expression reflected the life-changing impact of this opportunity. In her own words, “This opportunity has changed my life, and I really appreciate the UBA and the UBA Foundation for this.”

The UBA Foundation’s commitment to education and transforming lives was further exemplified through the continuous mentoring that Adaeze is set to receive throughout her educational journey. This holistic approach reflects the foundation’s dedication to not only providing financial support but also nurturing and guiding the scholarship recipients towards a successful academic and personal development journey.

Following closely behind Adaeze, Abdulhameed Khadijah Husna of Sweet Haven High School in Kano State clinched the second prize—a N3 million educational grant, a laptop, and additional prizes. The third prize was secured by Chukwuma-Okoh Naomi from Queens College, Yaba, Lagos, who received a N2.5 million grant and a brand-new laptop.

The remaining nine finalists, including two boys, were not overlooked, as they received brand new laptops and consolation prizes. The inclusive nature of the competition ensures that the efforts and talents of all finalists are recognized and rewarded.

Speaking on behalf of UBA, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, reiterated the bank’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment. He stated, “UBA is proud to be associated with this event. Annually, we put aside a percentage of our profits to change lives, and we are committed to doing this annually.”

The National Essay Competition has evolved into a pivotal platform for promoting education, literacy, and critical thinking among Nigerian youth. Alawuba emphasized the positive impact that the competition has on the lives of the participants and society at large. The strategic focus on education aligns with UBA’s broader corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, reflecting a commitment to making a meaningful contribution to societal development.

Bola Atta, the Managing Director/CEO of UBA Foundation, commended the winners for their exceptional brilliance and encouraged those who did not secure top positions to view it as a challenge for improvement. Her words echoed the foundation’s dedication to extending the impact of this competition beyond Nigeria, with plans to replicate it in other African countries where UBA operates.

“It is important to note at this point that this same competition is being replicated in some other African countries where UBA operates such as Ghana, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Senegal, Uganda, Cote D’Ivoire. Other countries like Zambia, Gabon, Chad and Benin Republic have plans to conduct the NEC in the first quarter of 2024,” Atta announced.

The UBA Foundation, as the corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm of the UBA Group, remains steadfast in its commitment to the socio-economic betterment of the communities in which the bank operates. With a focus on development in the areas of Education, Environment, Economic Empowerment, and Special Projects, the foundation continues to be a catalyst for positive change, fostering a brighter future for African youth.