AWKA/Nigeria: An educationist and board member of the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board, Mrs. Ify Anatune, has called on students to limit the time spent watching television and using mobile phones, emphasizing the importance of reading and writing in fostering creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills.
Anatune made the call on Friday at the Prize Presentation ceremony of the inaugural Joe Anatune Memorial Essay Competition in Awka. The competition, themed “Inspiring Young Minds, Shaping the Future,” was organized in honor of the late Joe Anatune, former Managing Director of the Anambra State Signage and Advertising Agency, who passed away on April 30, 2022, at the age of 62.
She expressed concern over the increasing screen time among children, describing it as an epidemic that negatively impacts their development and productivity.
“Reducing the time spent on television or mobile phones is crucial, especially during these formative years. It is important to make room for creative activities like reading and writing, which stimulate thought processes and enhance creativity, innovation, and problem-solving abilities,” she said.
According to her, reading not only helps children develop logical thinking and express themselves better but also improves their focus and ability to learn new things.
Anatune explained that the competition was designed to sustain her late husband’s legacy, as he was deeply passionate about critical thinking, creative writing, and intellectual curiosity.
“The competition was publicized online, and we received over 1,000 entries from students in public, private, and public-mission primary and secondary schools across the state. Primary school students wrote on ‘How Technology is Shaping Our Everyday Lives,’ while participants from JSS 3 to SSS 3 explored ‘The Impact of Technology on the Future of Education: Opportunities and Challenges,'” she said.
She appreciated the support of Anambra Alliance, Rinadac Foundation, B3 Heritage, and the Anambra State Ministry of Education in making the event a success.
The essay competition featured two categories—primary and secondary schools. In the primary school category, Nnabugwu Mmesomachukwu of Umuhu Migrant Farmers School, Ukpor, Nnewi, clinched the first position, followed by Chigbata Sharon of Goldseal International College, Awka, in second place, while Onyema Chisimdi of Eden Life Vocademics, Odekpe, Ogbaru, secured the third position.
In the secondary school category, Eze Johnbosco of St. Michael’s Model Comprehensive Secondary School, Nimo, emerged as the winner, with Edochie Chiagozie of Queen of the Rosary College, Onitsha, taking second place, while Mmaduabuchi Uba of Goldseal International College, Awka, finished third.
Nnabugwu Mmesomachukwu was also named the Overall Best Student in the competition.
