By Funmi Adams
The Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER) on Saturday announced the launch of the National Secondary School Essay Competition in honour of Prince Nduka Obaigbena, Chairman of the THISDAY/ARISE Group.
The initiative according to a statement made available to the media was jointly issued and signed by Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER), Messrs: Otunba Gbenga Onayiga, Chairman, Board of Trustees and Barr. Frank Tietie, Executive Director, CASER.
The initiative, the signatories averred is to celebrate Obaigbena’s enduring contributions to the advancement of excellence in journalism and broadcasting across the African continent.
According to the rights activist, the annual competition aims to inspire secondary school students across Nigeria to develop strong writing skills, critical thinking, rigorous research, and a deep commitment to truth, the core principles of responsible journalism.
In a statement made available to the press on Saturday, he said: “In an age increasingly challenged by misinformation, online abuse, and the erosion of ethical communication, this competition aims to guide young minds back to the values of integrity, clarity, and accuracy in expression.
On the Essay Review and Judging Panel, Tietie, said Submissions will be judged exclusively by Prof. Abiodun Adeniyi, a foremost teacher of Communication and Registrar at Baze University, Abuja.
He added Prof. Sunny Awhefada, a distinguished scholar from the Department of English and Literary Studies at Delta State University, Abraka, who will developed the evaluation criteria.
According to the initiator of the programme, he explained that the top three winning essays will receive the following cash prizes-1st Prize: ₦500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira), 2nd Prize: ₦300,000 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) and the 3rd Prize: ₦200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira)
He said Winners will be announced and awarded on 14 July 2025, coinciding with the birthday anniversary of Obaigbena.
According to him, the maiden edition of the competition will be exclusive to students of Government College Ughelli (GCU), the alma mater of Prince Obaigbena. To ensure a smooth rollout, a Local Organising Committee (LOC) comprising members of the GCU Old Boys has been constituted as follows: Mike Akoreh – Chairman, Efe Onomake – Alternate Chairman, Charles (Charlie) Umuakpero – Secretary, Oghenevwoke Edjere – Member, Sunny Ahanmisi – Member and Anthony Mukoro -Member
The committee will commence its duties immediately to coordinate all activities and ensure the successful implementation of the competition, they said.
