A female student of Christ the King International School, Gbagada, Lagos, Olaoye Flourish, has emerged the overall winner of the 19th Edition of the Bishop Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition for Nigerian secondary schools.
Also, two other female students, Nora Femi-Lawal of Chrisland High School, Lekki, and Olayimika Esther Durotimi of Corona Secondary School, Agbara, were named second and third winners respectively.
A total of 341 essays were disqualified due to infractions out of the 551 essay entries submitted by secondary schools across Nigeria.
Rev. Tony Samuel who conveyed the winners, noted the Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition was launched in 2004 as part of the celebrations for the birthday of the Presiding Bishop of TREM, Dr Mike Okonkwo (MFR), with the aim of encouraging students to develop strong reading and writing habits.
He noted that to clinch first place, Flourish Olaoye scored 71 percent in the initial round of the competition and 75 per cent in the final round, which was held at The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) International Headquarters, Gbagada, Lagos, achieving a total average score of 73 percent.
Further breakdown indicated that Nora Femi-Lawal of Chrisland High School, Lekki, took second place with scores of 65 per cent in the first round and 64 per cent in the final round, resulting in an average score of 64.5 per cent.
The third position was awarded to Olayimika Esther Durotimi of Corona Secondary School, Agbara, who scored 62 per cent in the first round and 60 per cent in the final round, with an average score of 61 per cent.
Rev. Tony Samuel also announced that fior their achievements, Olaoye Flourish will receive a cheque for N500,000, along with a trophy and a plaque, while her school will be awarded a set of computers.
Nora Femi-Lawal, who secured second place, will take home a cheque for N250,000 and a plaque, with her school also receiving a set of computers.
For placing third in this year’s competition, Miss Olayimika Esther Durotimi will be awarded a cheque for N150,000, a plaque, and a computer set for her school. The remaining finalists will each receive a consolation prize of N20,000.
He added all the winners and their schools would be honoured and rewarded at the 23rd Bishop Mike Okonkwo Annual Lecture Series, with the theme “Nigeria’s Pathways: Diagnosis and Prescriptions”, scheduled to take place in Lagos on Thursday, September 5, 2024.
The lecture will be delivered by Barrister Kanu Agabi, a highly esteemed lawyer and politician who has served as a Senator and twice as Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
The Chief Examiner, Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, on his part noted, “The three winners tackled the topics with a level of thoughtfulness appropriate for their age.
According to her, the winners conveyed their ideas in a manner befitting exceptional students of their age and grade, adding that their command of the English language structures highlights their meticulous nature and significant potential.
“We congratulate them, as well as the other finalists, and wish them great success in their future endeavours”.
Professor Adimora-Ezeigbo further emphasised, “While we reflect on the direction scientific advancements are leading us, the seven students invited to the finals offer a glimmer of hope.
“They have engaged with issues, using both their hearts and minds, employing original thought within the framework of knowledge production methodologies.
“These students are the ones who, through their creativity, generate the content that technology often feeds upon. We must, therefore, encourage them—as Bishop Okonkwo is doing—by sharpening their critical thinking skills, recognising their contributions, and rewarding their efforts,” she stated.
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