By Foday Moriba Conteh
Cowbell, a flagship brand marketed by Premium Divine Trading Company Limited, successfully concluded the 2nd edition of the Cowbell Kapu Sens Inter-School Quiz Competition on Saturday, November 15, 2024. Centered on the theme: “Nurturing the Spirit of Patriotism Through Civic Education,” the vibrant two-day competition was held at the Multi-Purpose Hall of Fourah Bay College in Freetown.
The event featured thrilling rounds of elimination, where lower-ranked schools defied the odds, defeating some of the competition’s top contenders. Thirty-two senior secondary schools in Freetown, including Albert Academy, Methodist Girls’ High School, St. Edward’s Secondary School, Government Rokel Secondary School, Sierra Leone Muslim Brotherhood Secondary School and Model Secondary School, participated in this year’s edition.
After intense preliminary stages and the Round of 16, four exceptional schools Albert Academy, Methodist Boys High School, St. Edward’s Secondary School and Crown International Secondary School secured their places in the finals.
In a riveting showdown, Methodist Boys High School emerged victorious as champions, clinching the coveted trophy and a cash prize of NLe15, 000. Albert Academy earned the second-runner-up position, taking home a cash prize of NLe10, 000 with a trophy, while St. Edward’s Secondary School secured third place, receiving a cash reward of NLe7, 000 and a trophy. An individual highlight of the competition was Osman Fornah of Methodist Boys High School, who was celebrated as the Best Quizzer for his exceptional performance and knowledge throughout the event.
In his address, Kenneth Konuah, Country Manager of Premium Divine Trading Ltd, underscored the significance of patriotism and civic education in shaping engaged and responsible citizens. He highlighted the company’s commitment to national development through initiatives that inspire youth involvement in community building.
“In an era defined by rapid globalization and interconnectedness, the importance of nurturing the spirit of patriotism among young people through civic education cannot be overstated,” Kenneth Konuah stated. “Civic education plays a pivotal role in shaping the values, beliefs and sense of responsibility that are essential for the development of engaged and informed citizens.”
Kenneth Konuah explained that it was this vision that prompted Premium Divine Trading Ltd, through its flagship brand Cowbell, to launch the Cowbell Kapu Sens Inter-School Competition under the theme: “Nurturing the Spirit of Patriotism Through Civic Education,” emphasizing the company’s dedication to empowering Sierra Leone’s youth to contribute meaningfully to nation-building.
He further remarked: “We believe our contribution to national development is to encourage youth to take an active role in their communities rather than just relying on Government support.” Kenneth Konuah expressed hope that the competition would serve as a catalyst for young people to actively participate in the nation-building process.
This year’s competition saw an increase in prizes, with NLe 15,000 awarded to the winning school, NLe 10,000 for second place and NLe 7,000 for third place. All 32 participating schools also received Cowbell products and certificates of participation. Kenneth Konuah revealed plans to expand the competition to other regions of the country, further broadening its impact.
Kenneth Konuah stressed that national progress is a collective effort. “National development is a shared responsibility and should be inclusive of everyone, especially the youth who are the future leaders,” he remarked.
The Chief Patriot of the Patriotic Advocacy Network, Ansumana Keita, lauded Premium Divine Trading Company Ltd for organizing the Cowbell Kapu Sens Inter-School Quiz Competition, emphasizing its significance in fostering a profound understanding of citizenship rights and responsibilities among young people.
He highlighted that the competition’s questions were centered on patriotism to help participants develop critical thinking skills necessary to address modern challenges. “By focusing on patriotism, we aim to equip participants with the mindset needed to navigate and overcome the complexities of today’s world,” he explained.
Ansumana Keita extended congratulations to the winners and urged all participants to apply the knowledge gained during the competition to inspire others about the importance of patriotism. “This event is more than a competition it’s an opportunity to cultivate a sense of national pride and responsibility that participants can share with their communities,” he added.
Delivering the keynote address at the Cowbell Kapu Sens Inter-School Competition, Kalilu Totangi, Chairperson of the National Council of Civic Education and Democracy (NaCCED), highlighted the critical role of civic education in fostering patriotism and national development.
Kalilu Totangi commended Premium Divine Trading Company Ltd, through its Cowbell brand, for spearheading an initiative that goes beyond traditional academic pursuits by focusing on shaping values, responsibilities and a sense of belonging among young people.
“In a world where values are increasingly challenged, civic education stands as the bedrock for cultivating informed, responsible and engaged citizens. This competition not only tests knowledge but also reinforces the importance of patriotism as a driving force for national cohesion and progress,” he remarked.
He urged pupils to internalize the lessons learned from the competition and translate them into actions that contribute to nation-building. “The future of Sierra Leone lies in the hands of its youth. By embracing the principles of civic education, you are equipping yourselves to be agents of positive change in your communities and beyond,” Kalilu Totangi asserted.
He concluded his address by congratulating the participants, particularly the winners, and encouraged them to inspire their peers to adopt a patriotic mindset for the collective good of the nation.
Osman Fornah of Methodist Boys High School, who was celebrated as the Best Quizzer and whose school clinched first place in the Cowbell Kapu Sens Inter-School Competition, expressed heartfelt appreciation to Premium Divine Trading Company Ltd and its Cowbell brand for organizing the impactful event. He acknowledged the competition’s role in instilling a sense of patriotism and civic responsibility among pupils.
Reflecting on their victory, Osman Fornah credited their success to unwavering dedication and preparation. “Our hard work and commitment have finally paid off. We had sleepless nights studying for this competition, so it’s not surprising that we emerged as winners,” he stated with pride.
Osman Fornah also encouraged his peers to apply the knowledge gained during the competition to promote patriotism and active citizenship. “The insights we’ve acquired from the Cowbell Kapu Sens Inter-School Competition are invaluable. I urge my fellow pupils to use this knowledge to foster a greater sense of responsibility and pride in our nation,” he added.
