Nelson Bluejack, a Senior Secondary 2 student of Lucille Education Centre (LEC), Bonny in Rivers State, Nigeria, is now the reigning King of Mathematics, after winning the senior category of the King/Queen of Mathematics Contest 2021.
Ivana Edun, also of Lucille Education Centre (LEC), emerged Queen of Mathematics in the junior category of the contest.
The champions were announced at the Grand Finale of the King/Queen of Mathematics Contest, an annual competition organized by the G30 Ibani Voice, a non-governmental organization, with sponsorship from DavFub Nigeria Limited and the Bonny Constituency Office in the Rivers State House of Assembly, among others.
Bluejack won the star prize of N1,000,000, while Edun won N500,000 in her category. Both teenagers won a scholarship up to first degree in the university, and a copy of ‘Make Yourself A Mathematician’, among other goodies.
Bluejack and Edun, who emerged from a keenly contested competition involving all the secondary schools in Bonny Local Government Area, will hold their respective titles for one year beginning from Saturday, December 4, 2021.
On the other hand, Oluwadare Oluwasegun of Kings and Queens College, and Valerie Edun of LEC, emerged first and second runners-up in the senior category, while Dappa Prinye of Faith Academy, and Boma Iyalla of LEC, emerged first and second runners-up in the junior category.
Oluwadare won N200,000, Dappa, N100,000, while Valerie and Boma won N50,000 each, in their respective positions.
Speaking at the event, the lawmaker representing Bonny constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Abinye Pepple said his support for the contest was predicated on his conviction that Education plays a critical and strategic role in the actualization of human aspirations and advancement of society.
The astute lawmaker noted that “Education is the only way forward and one fundamental factor that guarantees our destiny as a people and our future as a kingdom,” pledging to sustain his support to Education in Bonny and beyond.
Also speaking, the Leader of the Bonny Legislative Assembly, Rt. Hon. Larry Ibaningo, praised the passion of the students in their academics, urging them to take advantage of opportunities to advance their academic pursuits, while commending the organizers for putting together such a noble and inspiring competition.
On his part, President of G30 Ibani Voice, Dr Fubara Dan-Jumbo voiced his commitment to the advancement of humanity, positing that Education remains a vehicle for the realization of the aspirations of the youths, announcing that with this year’s competition, the King/Queen of Mathematics Contest will continue to soar in prize value and deepening of its intellectual credentials.
Present at the event were the Councillors representing Wards 6, Hon. Erefaa Allaputa, and 12, Hon. Marvellous Bristol, respectively, in the Bonny Legislative Assembly, Founder/Executive Director of Adata Bristol Foundation (ABF), Mrs. Adata Bristol, Publisher of Kristina Reports, Mr. Godswill Jumbo, Zonal Director of Education, Mr. Edward Kiri, Principals, Mathematics teachers, and parents, amongst other guests.
The previous winners of the contest, Emelda Eno and Fubara Omubo decorated the new King and Queen of mathematics with their respective crowns and sash for the King of Mathematics. The Principal of Lucille Education Centre (LEC), Mr. Esau Enyinnaya, won the Principal of the Year Award, alongside his school that also won Best Secondary School of the Year Award.
Gaints strides,this reminds me of my days in BNGS,but am so sad that BNGS that use to produce the best all-round mathematicians during my days cannot not even come a distant third position?
I thank the President (Dr Fubara Dan- Jumbo whom himself was a great mathematician during his days at BNGS)of this group who have kept faith with Education as a path for human developments.
Finally may God bless the new King/Queen of Mathematic in Bonny Island.