The Chairman of Etsako Central Local Government Council in Edo State, Hon. Solomon Obomighie said that the council will be organising an essay competition among secondary schools in the area in honour of late Dele Giwa.
This is coming 37 years after the bombing of the ace investigative journalist and writer and according to the LG boss, the gesture is to immortalise Giwa who was a native of the council.
Speaking with journalists weekend Obomighie said that the late Dele Giwa secondary school essay competition would be organised to celebrate and promote the values that Giwa embodied throughout his career.
He added that the event is also aimed at providing a platform for young writers and future journalists in the local government to know more about him and express their thoughts on pressing societal issues and showcase their writing skills.
“This competition will not only serve as a tribute to the late Dele Giwa but also foster a nurturing environment for budding writers and journalists to receive recognition and encouragement.
” It is our hope that through this platform, we will inspire the next generation of journalists to embrace the core principles of truth, transparency, and accountability,” he added.
Obomighie further stated that the late Dele Giwa’s secondary school essay competition is an initiative that demonstrates his commitment to appreciate worthy sons of Etsako Central and a way to promote education, foster talent, and uphold the legacy of exceptional individuals.
“We will be collaborating with local education authority, private school owners and professional journalists to make this competition a success and impactful among the young ones”.
The chairman disclosed that the council would give more information regarding the essay competition, including eligibility, prizes, and guidelines.
Hon. Obomighie however urged all secondary school principals to give a wider awareness to their students in the Local Government for participation as it will help in widening their writing skills.
It would be recalled that the Late Dele Giwa, was a prominent journalist and an illustrious son of Etsako Central, a renowned editor-in-chief and chief Executive of Newswatch magazine.
He made significant contributions to the journalism profession and remains a symbol of integrity and courage in the face of adversity in the pen profession.
He was killed on October 19th,1986, through a parcel bomb.
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