…Organises essay competition for students
From Geoffrey Anyanwu, Awka
In January, MIRAL Pharm Limited instituted Ravimal Essay Competition as part of its enlightenment programme to educate the public on the negative effects of malaria, as well as encourage pertinent research on the disease in the tertiary institution.
Recently, the pharmaceutical company organised a prize presentation ceremony at the Chike Okoli Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies, Nnamdi Azikiwe University where 27 students of the university won prizes according to their performances in the essay completion.
The award ceremony attracted many dignitaries including the National President of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) who doubles as the Consul-General of Pakistan to Nigeria, Ahmed Yakasai; the National Secretary of PSN, Gbolagade Iyiola; and Deputy Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Charles Esimone. Three star prizes and 24 consolation prizes were presented with Aniagu Chukwuma Victor of the Department of Applied Biochemistry winning the first star prize of one year scholarship of N100,000 plus a factory visit to India. The second star prize of one year scholarship of N100,000 plus a laptop computer went to Asomba Chinonso of the Department of Electronics and Computer Engineering while the third star prize of one year scholarship of N100,000 went to Friday Chizurum of the Faculty of Medicine.
Chairman on the occasion and Group Managing Director (GMD) of Krisoral Group of Companies, Chief Chris Oranu Chidume, admitted that Miral Pharm has taken a road that was less travelled by calling for essays.
He commended the company for the new approach at uncovering executable ideas that would move Nigeria closer to victory in the war against malaria.
Chief Chidume described Ravimal as best in class of products that is well positioned for the treatment of malaria.
Managing Director of Miral Pharm Limited, Mr. Onyeka Onyeibor said the Ravimal ‘End malaria for good’ essay was a deliberate search for ideas, stressing that “ending malaria is an achievable and a worthwhile pursuit – saving 1000 lives daily.”
Onyeibor also said the competition was organized in partnership with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University and targeted at promoting health literacy and research.
The PSN National President, Yakasai who presented the award to the star prize winner, commended the efforts of Miral Pharm in the war against malaria and the drive to continue to support the development of youths and education in Nigeria.
He disclosed that the National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved to work with Miral Pharm and Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria at making the competition an annual national event with the aim of bringing out the best in Nigerian students.
The Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof Joseph Ahaneku, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Charles Esimone, thanked Miral Pharm for its ingenuity and interest in promoting health literacy and research among Nigerian students.
The Project Coordinator, Ravimal “End malaria for good essay competition,” Mrs. Ifeyinwa Ugo-Amadi, explained that the essays were assessed based on their ingenuity, structure, insightfulness, content, 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.
Twenty-seven students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, won the maiden essay competition organized by Miral Pharm Limited.