By Foday Moriba Conteh

Cowbell, the flagship brand marketed by Premium Divine Trading Company Limited, has successfully wrapped up the 3rd edition of the Cowbell Kapu Sens Inter-School Quiz Competition, held on Saturday, November 15, 2024. The competition, which carried the inspiring theme: “Nurturing the Spirit of Patriotism Through Civic Education,” took place at the Multi-Purpose Hall of Fourah Bay College in Freetown.

This year’s competition delivered high excitement and fierce intellectual battles, especially as several lower-ranked schools defied expectations by knocking out some of the most highly rated contenders. A total of 32 senior secondary schools across Freetown including Albert Academy, Methodist Girls’ High School, St. Edward’s Secondary School, St. Joseph’s Convent, Crown International, Model Secondary School among others participated in the keenly contested quiz.

After a series of challenging preliminary rounds and an intense Round of 16, St. Edward’s Secondary School, Crown International Secondary School, Sunday Foundation Secondary School and Methodist Boys’ High School secured their places in the finals.

In a gripping finale that kept the hall energized, Crown International Secondary School emerged as the overall champion, claiming the coveted trophy along with cash and product prizes totaling NLe 15,000. St. Edward’s Secondary School finished as second-place winner, receiving NLe 10,000 in cash and products, while Sunday Foundation Secondary School secured third place with prizes worth NLe 7,000, each accompanied by a trophy.

The competition also celebrated outstanding individual talent. Hannah D. Peter of Crown International Secondary School was honoured as Best Quizzer, recognized for her exceptional brilliance, consistency and depth of knowledge throughout the contest.

In his address, Kenneth Konuah, Country Manager, Premium Divine Trading Limited emphasized that patriotism transcends ethnicity, religion and geography, stressing that civic responsibility remains a unifying force for national development.

“True patriotism knows no boundary whether in Freetown or Kabala, whether Mende, Temne or Krio, whether Christian or Muslim,” he said.

He reflected on the three-year journey of the Cowbell Kapu Sens Challenge, noting that the investment in civic education has been both impactful and fulfilling. Quoting former U.S. First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, he reminded pupils that patriotism is rooted in the dignity, freedom and equality of all people.

Kenneth Konuah commended the vision and leadership of Esquire Ansumana Keita, founder of the Patriotic Advocacy Network, whose dedication, he said, laid the foundation for the competition’s success.

“Three years ago, most of you did not know about PAN. Today, because of the diligence of one man, we all have a bigger platform to ride on and make the desired change,” he stated.

Highlighting the importance of civic engagement, he referenced quotes from Margaret Mead, Oscar Wilde and John D. Rockefeller to inspire students to take personal responsibility in shaping their communities.

Kenneth Konuah also announced the company’s future plans for the initiative, including:

- Sustaining the competition


- Expanding participation beyond Freetown to include pupils nationwide.


- Increasing rewards and incentives for schools and individual participants.

He disclosed that the total prize package for 2025 has been increased by 67%, signaling Premium Divine Trading’s commitment to strengthening the program's reach and impact.

The Chief Patriot of the Patriotic Advocacy Network, Ansumana Keita, commended Premium Divine Trading Company Ltd for organizing the Cowbell Kapu Sens Inter-School Quiz Competition, describing it as a vital initiative that promotes a deeper understanding of citizenship, rights and responsibilities among young people.

He noted that the competition’s questions were intentionally crafted around themes of patriotism to help participants build critical thinking skills essential for addressing contemporary challenges. “By focusing on patriotism, we aim to equip participants with the mindset needed to navigate and overcome the complexities of today’s world,” he explained.

Ansumana Keita congratulated the winners and encouraged all participants to apply the knowledge gained to inspire others about the value of patriotism. “This competition is more than a competition it is an opportunity to nurture a sense of national pride and responsibility that participants can share with their communities,” he added.

Hannah D. Peter of Crown International Secondary School celebrated as the Best Quizzer and representing the school that secured first place in the Cowbell Kapu Sens Inter-School Competition expressed heartfelt appreciation to Premium Divine Trading Company Ltd and its Cowbell brand for organizing the impactful event. She noted that the competition played a key role in fostering patriotism and civic responsibility among pupils.

Reflecting on their victory, Hannah D. Peter attributed their success to unwavering dedication and thorough preparation. “Our hard work and commitment have finally paid off. We had sleepless nights studying for this competition, so it’s not surprising that we emerged as winners,” she said with pride.

She also encouraged her peers to use the knowledge gained during the competition to promote patriotism and active citizenship. “The insights we’ve acquired from the Cowbell Kapu Sens Inter-School Competition are invaluable. I urge my fellow pupils to use this knowledge to cultivate a greater sense of responsibility and pride in our nation,” she added.

During the event, Kenneth Konuah, Country Manager of Premium Divine Trading Limited, officially launched Cowbell Evaporated Milk, introducing it as a new and competitive brand in Sierra Leone’s evaporated milk market.

The event concluded with all attendees rising to recite the National Pledge, reaffirming their commitment to unity, peace and service to Sierra Leone. The Cowbell Kapu Sens Inter-School Quiz Competition continues to serve as a vital platform for nurturing informed, patriotic and responsible future leaders across the country. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/cowbell-concludes-3rd-kapu-sens-inter-school-quiz-competition-crown-international-emerges-champion/