In a heartwarming display of unity, intellect, and faith, the 8 Division Headquarters of the Nigerian Army in Sokoto transformed into a beacon of hope and harmony on Monday, 21 April 2025.
The occasion was a special spelling bee competition, held to honour the Silver Jubilee of Reverend Father and Army Chaplain, Lt. Col. Patrick Odira Orji, marking 25 years of dedicated priesthood.
Beyond the spelling contest, the event stood out as a celebration of togetherness, bringing children of different faiths and ethnic backgrounds under one roof, as one family, in the pursuit of knowledge.
The barracks echoed with applause and encouragement as Muslim and Christian students, boys and girls alike, competed with confidence and grace in a friendly academic showdown.
Major General Ibikunle Ajose, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 8 Division, commended the initiative for promoting the values of unity and education.
“We are here as one family—no tribe, no religion. That is the spirit of the army, and that is what we witnessed here today,” he stated proudly.
He praised Reverend Father Orji for using education as a bridge between communities and for fostering peace within the barracks.
To encourage academic excellence, General Ajose announced a range of generous prizes for the top performers. The rewards included school fees, uniforms, sandals, wristwatches, and cash prizes for winners from the 1st to the 10th positions.
The winners of the competition were:
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1st Place: John Terse Orfega – One year of school fees, uniform, bag, wristwatch, and three pairs of suits.
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2nd Place: Jennifer Ashezi Sunday – Two-term school fees, full kits, wristwatch, gown, and ₦50,000.
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3rd Place (tie): Fatima Muntaka and Gertrude Ajeh – Each received two-term fees, complete kits, and ₦35,000.
In his closing remarks, Reverend Father Orji expressed his deep joy at the unity displayed by the children and reaffirmed his life’s mission.
“I never married or had children, but I will always celebrate children and education. That is my mission as a priest,” he said.
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