Fifteen-year-old, Ayeni, Oluwanifemi Bright, of State Senior High School, GRA Ikeja, Lagos, has emerged the overall best of 2022, Bishop Mike Okonkwo National Essays Competition For Senior Secondary Schools In Nigeria.
She was followed by 15-year-old Yekini, Roqeed Abolaji, of Ijegun Senior Comprehensive High School, Isolo, Lagos and 13-year-old Enecha Leila, of Vivian Fowler’s Memorial College for Girls Oregun, Ikeja Lagos.
The competition’s chief examiner, Professor Akachi Ezeigbo, while commending the organisers for discouraging handwritten entries, described the topic as friendly and clearly mapped out for the informed students as they responded by articulating their understanding of the Nigerian situations in ways that reveal their deep immersion in socio-political issues.
Ezeigbo said: “As usual, the writers of the 10 best essays were invited to the second round of the competition to write on the topic, “2023 Election: A New Nigeria or a Descent into Chaos.”
He noted that the winners showed an impressive understanding of the two topics and were able to address them as exceptional students in their category.
“Their orderly presentation of ideas and remarkable control of the English Language stood them out as meticulous people with huge potentials. We congratulate the other finalists and wish them the very best in their future endeavours,” Ezeigbo said.
For their efforts, Miss Ayeni will be smiling home with a cheque of N100,000, a personal Laptop, a trophy, and a plaque, while the school gets three sets of computers. Master Yekini, who came second, will go home with a cheque of N75,000, a plaque and the school will get two sets of computers.
For emerging third, Miss Enecha will go home with a cheque of N50,000, a plaque and the school gets a computer set. The other winners will get a consolation prize of N20,000 each.
The prizes for the winners of the 17th Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition for Secondary Schools in Nigeria will be presented at this year’s Mike Okonkwo Annual Lecture in September.
The theme for this year’s lecture is “Nigeria, A Country at War Against Itself: The Problems, The Solutions And The Way Forward.”
Corporate Services Director, Rev. Oluwayomi Uteh, explained that Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition was initiated in the year 2004, as part of activities to celebrate the birthday of the presiding Bishop of TREM, Dr Mike Okonkwo (MFR), and more importantly to contribute to the development of the education sector.
“Dr Mike Okonkwo has continued in this gesture for 17 years, using his God-given talent, strength, and resources to be a blessing to the younger generation in the pursuit of academic excellence by encouraging them to cultivate the habit of reading and writing effectively.
“This man of God, who believes in the absolute development of mankind in all facets of life, has used the institutionalisation of the Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition to achieve this dream and desire.
“The essay competition program has helped some students that participated in the program to develop more interest in research work, reading extensively, and writing constructively. Apart from serving as a tool to encourage reading and writing, the competition has also given the students the opportunity to bare their minds on topical issues that are significant to the social-economic development of our nation.
“The essay competition has also contributed to ICT development in secondary schools, especially in government-owned schools. Winners have emerged from both government-owned schools and private schools, and they have always been encouraged with gifts both in-kind and cash.
“The Chief Sponsor and visionary of the programme, Dr. Mike Okonkwo, is confident of the fact that Nigerian youths can compete favorably with their counterparts in developed nations,” she said.
YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
‘39.6 percent of unmarried university students use sexual performance-enhancing drugs’
EXPERTS say that the use of sexual performance-enhancing drugs is an emerging public health issue that requires a university-wide health advocacy campaign to stop among unmarried students in Nigerian universities…
Tips on building a happy and healthy relationship
Building a happy relationship entails setting certain relationship goals. These goals revitalise your relationship and also help you spice things up. You might be surprised that these little efforts can go a long way in helping you build a better and outstanding relationship…
Safety precautions to observe at the airport
In order for you not to fall victim of criminal elements who disguise as fellow passengers or dishonest airport staff, here are safety precautions you should observe when next you visit the airport…
and then