In a quest to harness great minds and encourage innovation, the traditional ruler of Alor community in Idemili South LGA, of Anambra state, HRH Igwe Elibe Mac Anthony Chinedu Okonkwo, recently hosted the four young students from the prestigious Saint John’s Science and Technological College, Alor, who made yet another history in the educational sector of the state through their land slide victory as bronze medalists at the international Festival of Engineering, Science and Technology, IFEST, in Tunisia, 21st 29th March, 2019.
The royal father gave them a grand, honourable and hospitable reception with members of his cabinet at his palace in Alor,12, May 2019.
Speaking during the get-together with the bronze medallists, who were accompanied by their school Manager, Fr. Dr. Francis Unaegbu, Igwe Mac Anthony, expressed his heartfelt joy towards what he referred to as an outstanding performance by the boys, who returned with a third position in a competition from thirty one technologically advanced countries in the world. According to him, it was proof that Alor community has young ones with unmatchable intellects to meet up with international standards.
The traditional ruler, in his position as a Royal Father, pledged his unwavering support to the development of education in line with the already existing strategies set by the Anambra State Governor, His Excellency, Willie Obiano and his Wife, Her Excellency Ebelechukwu Obiano, in ensuring that the educational sector in the State reaches its expected heights. While he prayed for the boys, the school management and youths in the state, urging them to embrace technovation, imbibe the culture of hardwork and sustain it.
Speaking of their victory, the manager of the school, Fr. Dr. Francis Unaegbu, explained that the festival was meant for students between the ages of eleven and twenty-four and was geared towards the improvement of technology, scientific and innovative skills among youths. He noted further that it was a strictly student project based, with supervision of their teachers.
Fr. Unaegbu revealed that the nine days festival in Tunisia was for those who met up with the criteria for selection and St. John’s College, Alor was not only selected but emerged third position as bronze winners, for their innovation of what he referred to as an “Adaptive Alternative Power Supply Source for sub-saharan Africa with a sustainable vision to provide solar power to Africans”.
Appreciating both the efforts and largesse of the traditional ruler and the state government, the School manager solicited for funds to help further their project and improve on the school’s infrastructure and standards.
For his part, the Special Assistant to the Governor of Anambra State, on Youth Mobilisation, Hon. Ossy Onuko, expressed profound joy and that of the Governor, Willie Obiano over the victory of the Boys, noting that it was a result of hardwork, resilience and proper training from the management. He commended the traditional ruler, Igwe Mac Anthony, and the state government for championing the course for standard education in the state through their contributions to the educational sector.
In his remarks, the President General of Alor, Hon. Okey Elosiuba, said that the community was blessed to have a school situated in Alor which has produced great and creative minds as the medalists. He promised that the community would go to any length to see that their efforts and creativity be strengthened.