The Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER) has announced the launch of the National Secondary School Essay Competition in honour of Prince Nduka Obaigbena, Chairman of the ThisDay/ARISE Group.
This initiative celebrates his enduring contributions to the advancement of excellence in journalism and broadcasting across the African continent.
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 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.
A statement said essay review and judging panel has been inaugurated as
submissions will be judged exclusively by Prof. Abiodun Adeniyi, a foremost Professor of Communication and Registrar of Baze University, Abuja while
Prof. Sunny Awhefada, a distinguished scholar from the Department of English and Literary Studies at Delta State University, Abraka, has developed the evaluation criteria.
The statement was signed by CASER’s Chairman, Board of Trustees,
Otunba Gbenga Onayiga and Barrister Frank Tietie, CASER’s Executive Director, a copy of which was emailed to Persecondnews on Saturday.
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)
• 3rd Prize: ₦200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira)
Winners will be announced and awarded on July 14 , 2025, to commemorate the birthday of Prince Nduka Obaigbena.
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:
1. Mike Akoreh – Chairman
2. Efe Onomake – Alternate Chairman
3. Charles (Charlie) Umuakpero – Secretary
4. Oghenevwoke Edjere – Member
5. Sunny Ahanmisi – Member
6.Anthony Mukoro -Member
The committee will commence its duties immediately to coordinate all activities and ensure the successful implementation of the competition.
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