According to Director Army Public Relations Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the annual competition, aimed at harnessing creative minds and promoting critical thinking among primary school pupils, secondary school students, and tertiary institution students, focused on the theme “The Nigerian Army: Pride of the Nation”.
The maiden competition attracted 381 entries nationwide. Winners of the Essay Category included Bakare Isaac Ayodeyi from Lead City University, Habila Amen from Command Secondary School Kaduna, and Adekunle Ore-Ofe Kerenhappuch from Command Children School Mokola Ibadan, representing tertiary, secondary, and primary schools, respectively. In the Poetry Category, Olawale Muheez Olamilekan from Lagos State University, Mary Stephen Raymond from Command Secondary School Jos, and Abubakar Abdulmalik from Command Children School Sokoto emerged as winners.
The Literary Art Category saw Oyakhire Favour Erosereme from the University of Benin, Idajor Ronaldo Goodluck from NAOWA College Abuja, and Meshack Daniels from Command Children School Bori Camp as the top winners from tertiary, secondary, and primary schools.
During the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2024 in Jos, General Lagbaja presented cash gifts and awards to the winners, congratulating them on their achievements. He emphasized that the competition was designed to showcase the creative abilities of Nigerian youth and provide a platform for participants to display their talents to the world. The COAS noted that the literary competition aims to shape the thoughts and perceptions of Nigerians, particularly children and youth, through arts and literary works, and serves as a form of support to the nation’s educational sector.
General Lagbaja extended his appreciation to the organizers, the Department of Civil-Military Affairs, the independent panel of assessors led by Professor Caroline Obiageli Emeka-Ogbonna, and other stakeholders for their dedication in bringing the initiative to fruition. He added that their efforts would significantly enhance the cognitive development of Nigerian youth.
