DStv Eutelsat Star Awards: Elah Ajene, Prosper Okarike emerge Nigeria winners

The 7th edition of DStv Eutelsat Star Awards was held in Kampala, Uganda

Miss Elah Ajene of Nigeria Tulip International School, Abuja; and Prosper Okarike of Graceland International School, Port Harcourt, have been named as in-country winners of the DStv Eutelsat Star Awards competition for 2017.

The awards are part of efforts by MultiChoice to promote science and technology education in Nigeria. The winners were announced after a two-day adjudication process.

Ajene emerged winner in the essay category, Okarike emerged winner in the poster category.

Speaking after the judges confirmed the winners, John Ugbe, Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, said the DStv Eutelsat Star Awards are designed to identify and create awareness on satellite technology and its applications within the society.

“MultiChoice, by this award, is encouraging the young ones to challenge themselves and come up with ideas and innovation that will eventually propel our country to desired greatness,” he said.

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Mr. Ugbe further explained that the award is meant to inspire innovative thinking among secondary school students in Africa to create awareness on how science and technology can be applied to everyday life and to showcase the many ways that satellites already impact on the development of the African continent.

Dr. Aderonke Bello, CEO Innovative Technology Literacy Services Limited (ITLSL) and lead judge for the 2017 DStv Eutelsat Star Awards, commended the winners for their efforts and zeal.

“We were thorough with the judging procedure. There were many quality entries, but the ones that made it to the top were those that satisfied all the specified criteria which are understanding and demonstration of satellite technology and its application to everyday life, coherence in the manner of presentation and flow,” she said.

The annual awards, which received a total of 213 entries, including 187 essays and 26 posters this year, takes the form of a competition open to students between the ages of 14-19 years old.

The award was established in 2011 by MultiChoice Africa in collaboration with Eutelsat, leading satellite operator for broadcasting, broadband, and data services.