———– REWARDS EXCELLENCE AT 2025 AMSSSMC
The Amaraya Foundation has celebrated its 5th anniversary in grand style, combining the milestone event with the decoration of outstanding students in the 2025 edition of the All Mbaise Senior Secondary Schools Mathematics Competition (AMSSSMC).
The ceremony, held on December 23rd, 2025, at Chris VI Hotel, attracted a distinguished audience comprising members of the political class, religious leaders, traditional rulers, school administrators, journalists, and community stakeholders from different walks of life.
The President of the Foundation, Chief Amarachi Kingsley Ogu, led the host family to the event, accompanied by his wife and Vice President of the Foundation, Lolo (Barr.) Yulanda Añuli Ogu, and their son, Ryan Yazomam Ogu. Their presence underscored the family’s unwavering commitment to philanthropy and educational advancement in Mbaise and beyond.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Ejike Anakani, highlighted the gains of philanthropy and the transformative power of mathematics education, which the Foundation has consistently championed over the past five years. He described the vision of Chief Ogu as forward-looking and impactful, noting that sustained investment in education remains one of the most effective pathways to community development.
Dr. Anakani commended the Foundation for institutionalizing the AMSSSMC as a platform that encourages academic excellence and healthy intellectual competition among secondary school students in Mbaise. He prayed for divine strength and wisdom for the Foundation’s leadership and pledged his readiness to partner with the organization in realizing a shared vision of a greater and more progressive Mbaise nation.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Rafiat Abubakar of the Department of Mathematics, Federal University Otuoke, offered an in-depth exposition on the indispensability of mathematics in everyday life. She emphasized that mathematics is central to science, technology, engineering, finance, and policy formulation, and serves as the backbone of innovation and national growth.
Prof. Abubakar called on political leaders and philanthropists to prioritize educational initiatives capable of driving long-term transformation. According to her, investments in mathematics education, particularly at the secondary school level, equip young people with analytical and problem-solving skills necessary to compete in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
The high point of the celebration was the decoration of outstanding students who excelled in the 2025 AMSSSMC. Three top-performing candidates were presented with medals, plaques, and cash prizes in recognition of their exceptional achievements. In addition, eleven other candidates were decorated for their commendable performances in the competition.
In a further demonstration of its commitment to supporting academic advancement, the Foundation announced that all awardees would benefit from free registration for the 2026 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination. The gesture was widely applauded by parents and educators present at the event, who described it as both timely and impactful.
Beyond the student awards, the Foundation also honoured select individuals whose contributions have been instrumental to its growth and success over the years. The recognition of these partners and supporters reinforced the collaborative spirit that has defined the Foundation’s operations since inception.
A highlight of the programme was a classic presentation by the Vice President of the Foundation, Lolo (Barr.) Yulanda Añuli Ogu, who reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to nurturing young minds and promoting excellence through structured academic interventions. She expressed appreciation to participating schools, teachers, and parents for their cooperation and resilience.
Goodwill messages were delivered by prominent guests, including the Vice Chancellor of Spiritan University Nneochi, Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Remy Onyewuenyi, C.S.Sp, who lauded the Foundation’s focus on education as a sustainable development tool. He encouraged students to combine intellectual pursuit with moral discipline.
Also speaking was the Traditional Ruler of Lude Ahiara in Ahiazu Mbaise, HRH Eze Cyril Uwaoma, PhD, who commended the Foundation for complementing community development efforts through strategic educational support. He urged other well-meaning individuals and organizations to emulate such initiatives for the collective good of the society.
In his vote of thanks, Chief Amarachi Kingsley Ogu expressed deep appreciation to the organizing committee led by Onyewuenyi Kaycee, members and friends of the Foundation, the Chairman of the occasion, keynote speaker, dignitaries, special guests, students, awardees, and their parents for their presence and continued belief in the Foundation’s vision. He called for sustained prayers and support to enable the organization to expand its outreach and deepen its impact in service to God and humanity.
The celebration was further enlivened by vibrant side attractions, including performances by women dance groups, calisthenics displays, and stage plays, which added colour and excitement to the event.
As Amaraya Foundation enters its next phase, the 5th anniversary celebration stands as a testament to five years of consistent investment in education, youth empowerment, and community development, an enduring legacy poised to shape the future of Mbaise.
@AMARAYA MEDIA
