16-year-old, OAU student wins NCDMB’s 9th National Undergraduate Essay competition, gets ₦1m prize
… as FUTA’s Sonuga Opeyemi, UniUyo’s Precious Amarachi clinch 2nd, 3rd respectively
Oredola Adeola
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has announced 16-year-old Akande Oyinkansola Josephine of Obafemi Awolowo University as the overall winner of the 9th National Undergraduate Essay Competition, receiving ₦ 1 million at its Award and Prize Presentation Ceremony.
Sonuga Opeyemi of FUTA and Precious Amarachi of the University of Uyo, also emerged second and third, receiving ₦700,000 and ₦500,000, respectively, along with laptops.
This was the highlight of the award presentation for the top ten finalists, which was held on Friday at the Nigerian Content Tower in Yenagoa, Bayelsa.
This year’s competition was centered on the theme: “Sustaining Local Content Policies in the Transitioning Oil and Gas Industry.”
Engr. Felix Ogbe, Executive Secretary of NCDMB, represented by Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, General Manager, Corporate Communications stated that the annual essay competition reinforces the Board’s mandate on capacity building and youth development.
Mr. Eyinimi Omorozi, Chief Executive of Mahogany 21st Century Concepts Limited and Programme Consultant, in his welcome address, explained that the competition is designed to deepen critical thinking, build capacity, and encourage undergraduates to develop competencies required for active participation in the oil and gas industry.
He commended NCDMB for sustaining this impactful initiative.
Dr. Obinna who was also represented by Mr. Teddy Bai, Deputy Manager, Government Relations, noted that the programme promotes Local Content awareness while enhancing writing, research, and analytical skills among students across the country.
He further highlighted the Board’s progress on the 10-Year Strategic Roadmap and the positive impact of the Back to the Creeks Initiative on community development and stakeholder engagement.
He commended the transparent selection process, appreciated the academic panel, and congratulated all participants, especially the winners.
All top ten finalists also received a laptop and a copy of “Nigeria’s Local Content: A Journey of Strategic Communication and Economic Transformation” authored by Dr. Obinna Ezeobi.