By Foday Moriba Conteh
Cowbell, a brand marketed by Premium Divine Trading Company Limited, concluded its maiden edition of the Cowbell Kapu Sens Inter-School Competition on November 17, 2023. Operated as an agent for Promasidor Holdings, a leading distributor of quality food products in Sierra Leone, the competition aimed at “Nurturing the Spirit of Patriotism Through Civic Education.” The two-day event took place at the Multi-Purpose Hall on Fourah Bay College Campus in Freetown.
Twenty selected senior secondary schools in Freetown, including Albert Academy, Prince of Wales, Methodist Girls High School, St. Edwards, Rokel, Sierra Leone Muslim Brotherhood, and Model School, participated in the competition. After preliminary stages, four secondary schools, Albert Academy, St. Edwards, Methodist Girls High School, and Bishop Johnson Memorial School proceeded to the finals.
St. Edwards Secondary School emerged as the champions, receiving a trophy and a cash prize of NLE5, 000, Methodist Girls High School secured the 2nd Runner-Up position earning a cash prize of NLE3,500, while Bishop Johnson Memorial School claimed the 1st Runner-Up spot with a cash prize of NLE1,500. Isatu Michella Bangura of Methodist Girls High School was recognized as the best quizzer of the competition.
Speaking during the opening ceremony of the competition, the Country Manager of Premium Divine Trading Ltd, Kenneth Konuah, said that 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, adding that 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.
He said that it is against that backdrop that Premium Divine Trading Company Ltd, as a responsible company, through its brand Cowbell thought it fit to organize the maiden edition of the Cowbell Kapu Sens Inter-School Competition on the theme: “Nurturing the Spirit of Patriotism Through Civic Education.”
Kenneth Konuah noted that the event was geared towards instilling a deep understanding of the rights and responsibilities that come with citizenship.
He disclosed that the company will be extending the competition to other parts of the country in the coming years, disclosing that this time around, the company gave NLE 10,000 to the top three schools plus cartoons of Cowbell products from which also all the 20 participating schools benefited from.
He used the opportunity to inform the gathering that Premium Divine Trading Company Limited operates as an agent for Promasidor Holdings, a leading distributor of quality food products in the country.
He emphasized on the importance of good nutrition with regards to milk for growth and vitality. Cowbell milk, he said, is a rich source of protein, calcium and Vitamins A, B9, C, D E and K otherwise referred to as Vitarich.
He encouraged all to go in for the company’s products especially the Cowbell products which he said are of high quality and when consumed will definitely nourish the body.
On his part, the Chief Patriot of the Patriotic Advocacy Network, Ansumana Keita, expressed appreciation to Premium Divine Trading Company Ltd for organizing the Cowbell Kapu Sens Inter-School Competition ,which he described as very important towards instilling a deep understanding of the rights and responsibilities that come with citizenship.
He said that the lack of patriotism among citizens, especially young people, is very high and such is affecting the development of the country of which he said that is why Patriotic Advocacy Network partnered with Premium Divine Trading Company Ltdfor the event.
Ansumana Keita noted that questions for the competition focused on patriotism in order to equip participants minds with critical thinking skills necessary to navigate the challenges of the modern world
He congratulated the winners of the competition and also encouraged all those that used the knowledge acquired during the competition on patriotism to teach others of its importance.
On his part, Joshua Alabi, the Political and Economic Counselor at the Ghana High Commission in Sierra Leone, while delivering a statement on behalf of Her Excellency Mrs. Worwornyo Agyeman, the High Commissioner of Ghana, conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from the people of Ghana to Sierra Leone, emphasizing the competition’s significance in fostering national pride and civic engagement among the youth.
Joshua Alabi encouraged participants to view the competition not solely in terms of winning or losing but as an opportunity for learning, growth, and the demonstration of their abilities. He stressed the importance of cultivating skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication to become future leaders of Sierra Leone.
Asking participants to approach the competition with teamwork, respect for competitors, and a thirst for knowledge, Joshua Alabi expressed confidence that the experience they will acquire would positively impact their academic and personal development.
He extended appreciation to the organizers, Premium Divine Trading Company Ltd, as well as teachers and parents for their support in nurturing the intellectual growth of students, urging students to make the most of the opportunity and continue pursuing excellence in their academic endeavors.
Isatu Michella Bangura of Methodist Girls High School, who was recognized as the best quiz respondent and took the 2nd position expressed appreciation to Premium Divine Trading Company Ltd through its Cowbell brand for organizing the competition which, she said, has contributed towards instilling the spirit of patriotism in her.
She said that her intension was for her school to emerge the winner of the competition but said unfortunately they took the 2nd Runner Up position but assured all that they will be better prepared for the next edition of the competition.
Ishmeal Barrie, one of the quiz respondents from the St. Edwards Secondary School, who emerged as champions of the competition, also commended the company for the event.
He said that their hard work and commitment towards the competition finally paid them off.
The Cowbell Kapu Sens Inter-School Competition not only showcased academic excellence but also served as a beacon in promoting civic education and patriotism among the youth. As Cowbell continues to contribute to the intellectual growth of students, the event sets the stage for future editions that promise even greater success in building the leaders of tomorrow.
