Students in Monrovia have been honoured for outstanding entries in a regional essay competition marking the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States.
The awards ceremony, organised by the ECOWAS Resident Representative Office in Liberia, recognised undergraduate essays exploring the role of youth entrepreneurship in driving development and strengthening regional integration across West Africa.
Held as part of the ECOWAS@50 celebrations, the competition invited students from tertiary institutions to reflect on the theme, “Youth Entrepreneurship as a Catalyst for National Development and Regional Integration.” Organisers said the initiative aimed to stimulate critical thinking and encourage young people to contribute ideas on the region’s future.
A total of 40 submissions were received, offering varied perspectives on how youth-led enterprises can boost economic growth, create jobs and advance regional cooperation.
At the ceremony, Samuel R. Watkins of the University of Liberia emerged as the overall winner, receiving a $1,000 prize. Daniel Isaac-Sie Jr. of the African Methodist Episcopal University placed second, earning $700. Organisers said both winning essays will be published in national newspapers and online platforms to widen public engagement.
The event drew ambassadors from ECOWAS member states, university administrators and representatives of key institutions, including Liberia’s Ministries of Education and Youth and Sports, as well as the National Commission on Higher Education.
Speaking at the ceremony, the ECOWAS Resident Representative in Liberia, Josephine Nkrumah, praised the participants for the quality of their submissions and encouraged continued intellectual engagement among young people.
She emphasised the importance of youth participation in national and regional development, noting that their contributions are vital to shaping policies that promote economic transformation and social progress.
Nkrumah also urged non-winning participants to remain committed to academic and creative pursuits, describing the competition as a valuable learning experience.
The essay competition forms part of broader activities commemorating five decades since ECOWAS was established in 1975, as the regional bloc continues to advance economic cooperation, integration and shared prosperity across West Africa.
