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Ravimal Essay competition organised by MiralPharm Ltd ended successfully with three star winners emerging, while consolation prizes were given to 20 persons during its award presentation in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka recently.
The first prize, a one year scholarship (N100,000) and a factory visit to India, went to Victor Aniagu of the Department of Applied Biochemistry. The second prize, a one year scholarship (N100,000) and a laptop computer went to Asomba Chinonso of the Department of Electronics and Computer Engineering and the third prize, a one year scholarship (100,000) went to Friday Chizurum of the Faculty of Medicine.
The award ceremony which took place at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka had in attendance the National President of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria who doubles as the Consul- General of Pakistan to Nigeria, His Excellency (Pharm.) Ahmed Yakasai, the National Secretary, Pharm. Gbolagade Iyiola, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Charles Esimone and several other dignitaries.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the occasion and the GMD, Krisoral Group, Chief Chris Oranu Chidume, said MiralPharm was taking a road less traveled by calling for essays, commending them for the new approach taken at uncovering executable ideas that will move the country closer to victory in the war against malaria. He called Ravimal a best in class product well positioned for treatment of malaria.
The Managing Director, MiralPharm, Mr. Onyeka Onyeibor, said that Ravimal ‘End Malaria for good’ essay was a deliberate search for ideas. Adding that, “Ending malaria is an achievable and a worthwhile pursuit – saving 1,000 lives daily,†he said.
The President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Yakasai who presented the award to the star prize winner, commended the organisers on the war against malaria and the drive to continue to support the development of youths and education in Nigeria.
He said that National Universities Commission has approved to work with MiralPharm and Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria at making the competition an annual national event with the aim of bringing out the best in Nigerian students.
In his remarks the Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Joseph Ahaneku who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Esimone appreciated the organisers for their ingenuity and interest in promoting health literacy and research among Nigerian students.
According to the Project Coordinator, Ravimal End Malaria for Good essay competition, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Ugo-Amadi, the essays were assessed based on their ingenuity, structure, insightfulness, content and language style and creativity by Dr. Jane Ifechelobi of Department of English and Dr. Obinna Ifechelobi of Department of Clinical Pharmacy, both of NAU, Awka.
Reacting to his success at the competition, Victor Aniagu, who is now the RAVIMAL Student of The Year, said “I remain grateful to God and MiralPharm for this opportunity to receive an award today. From the turnout of events, I see that nothing in life is to be taken for granted as nothing learnt is a waste,†he said.
