Ohanaeze Charges Youth To Emulate 2025 JAMB Highest Scorer

The pan-Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Thursday, charged Igbo youths to emulate Master Okeke Chinedu Christian, who emerged as the highest scorer in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

Okeke, from Anambra State, scored 375 in the examination. The commendation was contained in a statement issued by Ohanaeze in Enugu.

Its President General, Senator Azuta Mbata, in the release signed by Dr Ezechi Chukwu, National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze, described Okeke’s performance as “outstanding, commendable, and admirable”.

Quoting the statement, “Master Okeke has not only proven himself academically but has become a shining symbol of what young Igbo men and women can achieve through focus and discipline. He represents the brilliance and resilience of Ndigbo.”

Senator Mbata used the occasion to re-emphasize the importance of education and entrepreneurship as critical tools for the advancement of Igbo youth.

Quoting him, “I call on Igbo youths to embrace education and enterprise tenaciously. These are the pillars of sustainable success and progress. The get-rich-quick syndrome and other unconventional routes to wealth are dangerous shortcuts that lead to ruin.”

While expressing concern over the growing fascination with illicit and unethical wealth acquisition, the Ohanaeze leader highlighted the need to uphold traditional Igbo values such as hard work, integrity, and perseverance.

“It is time for our youths to reject the allure of shortcuts and stay grounded in the timeless values of our people—honesty, resilience, and excellence. Wherever you go, carry the identity of Ndigbo with pride and dignity. Be role models. Be leaders. Be innovators,” he added.