₦2.8 Million Up for Grabs! Labour Party Launches Essay Competition, Offers Students Up to ₦1 Million Cash Prize

₦2.8 Million Up for Grabs! Labour Party Launches Essay Competition , Offers Students Up to ₦1 Million Cash Prize

The Abia State Chapter of the Labour Party (LP) has launched a statewide essay writing competition for secondary and tertiary institution students, with a total prize pool of ₦2.8 million, in a move aimed at encouraging youth participation in governance, civic engagement, and public policy.

The initiative was unveiled on Thursday during a media briefing at the party’s State Secretariat in Umuahia by the State Secretary of the Labour Party, Barr. Chuks Akamadu.

Speaking at the event, Akamadu described the competition as the first of its kind by the Abia State Chapter of the party, saying it is designed to inspire young people to contribute innovative ideas that will support the ongoing transformation of the state under the administration of Governor Alex Otti.

According to him, the competition aligns with the Labour Party’s core values of promoting equal opportunity, social justice, civic education, and responsible political participation.

“The exercise seeks to stimulate intellectual engagement among young Abians while generating practical ideas and policy recommendations that could contribute to governance and development,” he said.

Akamadu noted that the party remains committed to strengthening democracy through civic education and by creating platforms for young people to actively participate in shaping public policy.

“We are doing this because the Labour Party is a political party that is alive to its responsibilities in a democratic society. We are committed to educating citizens, promoting democratic values, and encouraging greater youth participation in the political process,” he stated.

Photo Caption: Labour Party Abia State Secretary, Barr. Chuks Akamadu (left), alongside the State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Emenike Iroegbu, during the media briefing announcing the ₦2.8 million statewide essay competition at the party’s State Secretariat in Umuahia.

He announced that the theme for the competition is “The New Abia and Need for Consolidation,” explaining that participants are expected to examine the progress recorded by the current administration and propose ideas that would help sustain the state’s development.

The competition is divided into two categories.

For Category A (Secondary School Students), the winner will receive ₦500,000, while the second and third prize winners will receive ₦300,000 and ₦250,000, respectively.

For Category B (Tertiary Institution Students), the overall winner will receive ₦1 million, while the second and third positions will receive ₦500,000 and ₦250,000, respectively.

In addition to the major prizes, Akamadu disclosed that consolation prizes would be awarded to outstanding participants who do not finish among the top three, while schools and institutions attended by prize winners would receive special recognition.

He called on eligible secondary and tertiary institution students, including Abians residing outside the state and in the diaspora, to participate in the competition.

According to the competition guidelines, essays must not exceed 1,500 words and should clearly indicate the entrant’s name and school or institution immediately below the essay topic.

All entries are to be submitted electronically through the Labour Party’s official email address, info@labourpartyabia.com.ng, on or before July 17, 2026.

The prize presentation ceremony is scheduled to hold on August 3, 2026.

Akamadu commended Governor Alex Otti for inspiring the initiative through what he described as the administration’s remarkable achievements over the past three years.

He said the governor’s leadership has transformed Abia into a model state attracting national attention, adding that the essay competition provides young people with a unique opportunity to contribute meaningful ideas toward sustaining the state’s progress.

Reaffirming the party’s commitment to youth inclusion, he stressed that young people remain critical stakeholders in the continued development of Abia State.

“The future of Abia belongs to our young people. Through this competition, we are giving them a voice to contribute to the political and developmental conversation shaping our state,” he said.

The event was attended by officials of the Labour Party, including the State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Emenike Iroegbu.

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