The Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Chief Dr. Mujidat Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, has awarded cash prizes and gifts exceeding N5 million to the winners of her Carnival Calabar essay competition.
In partnership with the Carnival Calabar Commission, headed by Executive Chairman Dr. Gabe Onah, she sponsored the essay-writing competition named in her honour.
The 2024 edition of Folasade Tinubu-Ojo’s annual essay-writing competition saw impressive participation from 23 schools across 18 local government areas in Cross River State.
Participants competed in two categories: short story composition and topical essay writing.
In her address, Folasade Tinubu-Ojo expressed gratitude to Prince Bassey Edet Otu, the Executive Governor of Cross River State, his wife, Rev. Mrs. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, and the Carnival Calabar Commission, highlighting the importance of revitalising the essay component of the carnival to encourage children to embrace reading and writing.
Gabe Onah, Chairman of the Carnival Calabar Commission, reaffirmed the commission’s dedication to nurturing children’s potential rather than merely preparing a pathway for them.
“Carnival Calabar remains thematic, consistently relating to humanity. For our sponsor to recognise our efforts, it indicates we’re on the right track,” he stated.
The commission noted that the competition not only celebrates creativity but also supports the University of Calabar’s Department of Carnival Studies. To honour Folasade Tinubu-Ojo’s contributions, an N1 million scholarship will be established in her name to recognise the top graduating students in 2024.
Winners and runners-up of the 2024 Folasade Tinubu-Ojo Essay-Writing Competition received various literary resources, brand-new laptops, and cash prizes: the first and second runners-up in both categories received N200,000 and N300,000, respectively, while the overall winners of each category earned N500,000 each.
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