By Foday Moriba Conteh
Cowbell, one of Sierra Leone’s most trusted dairy brands under Premium Divine Trading Company Limited, an agent of Promasidor, has successfully concluded the preliminary stage of its annual Cowbell “Kapu Sens” Inter-School Quiz Competition. The event, themed: “Nurturing the Spirit of Patriotism Through Civic Education,” was held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the historic Albert Academy on Berry Street in Freetown.
This year’s competition drew participation from 32 secondary schools across the Western Urban and Rural districts. After several rounds of intense intellectual exchanges, 16 schools advanced to the next stage, which will take place on November 14th and 15th, 2025, at the Multi-Purpose Hall, Fourah Bay College (FBC).
Now in its third edition, the Cowbell Kapu Sens Challenge continues to strengthen the values of academic excellence, discipline, patriotism and civic responsibility among young Sierra Leoneans.
In his opening remarks, Philip Kanu, Marketing Lead at Premium Divine Trading Limited, described the competition as more than a test of knowledge but a platform for cultivating responsible citizenship and unity among young people.
“This annual event is not just a quiz competition; it is a celebration of knowledge, unity and the patriotic values that bind us together as a nation,” Philip Kanu said.
“We believe in the power of education as the cornerstone of our nation’s future, and we are thrilled to see 32 schools come together to showcase their intellect, teamwork and love for country.”
Philip Kanu outlined the structure of the competition as a three-stage process designed to test not only academic prowess but also civic awareness:
- Round One: 32 schools competed, with 16 progressing to the next round.
- Round Two: The remaining schools will battle for a place in the top eight.
- Semi-Finals and Finals: The final eight will vie for the national championship title.
He emphasized that while prizes and recognition are motivating, the competition’s deeper purpose lies in inspiring patriotism and community-minded leadership among the nation’s youth.
“Each question you answer, each discussion you engage in and every friendship you form here contributes to your growth as informed and responsible citizens,” he said.
Philip Kanu reaffirmed Premium Divine’s commitment to supporting education and youth development as an integral part of nation-building.
“National development is a shared responsibility. It should be inclusive of everyone, especially young people who are the future leaders,” he added.
“Our contribution to national development is to encourage youth to take an active role in their communities rather than simply relying on Government interventions.”
Beyond the competition, Philip Kanu also underscored Cowbell’s role in promoting good health and nutrition through its fortified milk products. He explained that Cowbell milk, enriched with essential nutrients such as protein, calcium and vitamins A, B9, C, D, E, and K, collectively branded as “Vitarich,” supports both mental and physical growth.
“At Cowbell, we are committed to enriching minds and nourishing dreams,” he said, referencing the brand’s long-standing slogan. “We encourage Sierra Leoneans to continue supporting Cowbell products as we continue to invest in education and the health of our young people.”
Philip Kanu concluded by expressing gratitude to educators, parents and partners who continue to make the competition possible. He reaffirmed the company’s long-term commitment to empowering Sierra Leone’s next generation of leaders through learning and civic engagement.
Representing the Deputy Minister I of the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE), Alpha Bangura, Acting Director of School Quality Assurance Management and Resources, praised Cowbell and its partners for creating a platform that nurtures academic discipline and positive citizenship.
“The theme for this year’s challenge could not be more relevant. True patriotism is not just about loving our country in words; it is about acting responsibly, upholding integrity, and making choices that uplift our communities and our nation,” Alpha Bangura said.
Drawing from his personal journey, Alpha Bangura shared how he overcame challenges in his youth to rise through education. Having attended Sierra Leone Muslim Congress Primary School and later Ahmadiyya Muslim Secondary School, he recounted how he resisted negative influences such as drug abuse, focusing instead on education and hard work.
“Many of my peers were drawn into drugs but I made a decision early on to stay focused on my goals,” he said. “It was not easy, but consistency, humility, hard work and integrity guided me, and those same values have brought me this far. Your background does not define your future; your choices do.”
He used the platform to urge students to resist peer pressure and substance abuse, a growing problem among the country’s youth.
“As future leaders, you must take a stand and be ambassadors in the campaign against harmful drugs in our schools and communities. Protecting your health, your mind and your future is part of your civic responsibility,” Alpha Bangura emphasized.
He commended teachers and organizers for their tireless effort and dedication in mentoring the students, acknowledging that organizing such an event requires patience, passion and commitment.
“To the sponsors, I say thank you for investing in the next generation. And to the students, remember that winning is not just about answering questions correctly, true success is about being disciplined, responsible and patriotic citizens who will one day make Sierra Leone proud,” he concluded.
Ansumana Keita, Chief Patriot of the Patriotic Advocacy Network, commended Premium Divine Trading Company and Promasidor for their continued investment in the educational sector.
He described the initiative as “a unique blend of intellectual competition and moral instruction,” designed to foster national consciousness and civic engagement among young people.
“This competition is crucial in strengthening pupils’ understanding of the rights and responsibilities of citizenship,” Ansumana Keita said.
“We live in a time when patriotism seems to be fading among the youth. Through this platform we are reigniting that sense of national duty and pride.”
Ansumana Keita emphasized that the focus on civic education and patriotism is not accidental but a deliberate effort to cultivate critical thinking, discipline and respect for the nation’s democratic values. He encouraged all participants to share their newfound knowledge about patriotism with their peers to build a culture of civic responsibility in their communities.
“When young people understand their role in society, they become part of the solution to our national challenges,” Ansumana Keita added.
Among the qualifying schools advancing to the Round of 16, there was an overwhelming sense of pride and determination, pupils expressed confidence in their school performance and preparedness for the next round.
