Labour Party Launches ₦2.8 Million Essay Competition for Students in Abia

• The Abia State Labour Party has launched a ₦2.8 million essay competition for secondary and tertiary institution students, with the overall tertiary winner set to receive ₦1 million as the party seeks to promote youth participation in governance and public policy.

The Abia State chapter of the Labour Party has unveiled a statewide essay competition for secondary and tertiary institution students, with a total prize pool of ₦2.8 million.

The initiative, launched at the party’s secretariat in Umuahia on Thursday, is aimed at encouraging youth participation in governance, civic engagement and public policy while giving young people an opportunity to contribute ideas for the development of Abia State.

Speaking at the event, the party’s State Secretary, Chuks Akamadu, described the competition as the first of its kind by the Labour Party in Abia.

According to him, the essay competition aligns with the party’s commitment to promoting civic education, democratic values and responsible political participation.

The essay topic is “The New Abia and Need for Consolidation,” with participants expected to examine the achievements of Governor Alex Otti’s administration and suggest ways to sustain the state’s development.

The competition is divided into two categories.

For secondary school students, the winner will receive ₦500,000, while the second and third-place winners will receive ₦300,000 and ₦250,000 respectively.

For tertiary institution students, the overall winner will receive ₦1 million, while the second and third-place winners will receive ₦500,000 and ₦250,000 respectively.

Akamadu added that outstanding participants outside the top three would receive consolation prizes, while the schools of the winners would also be specially recognised.

Entries, which must not exceed 1,500 words, should be submitted electronically on or before July 17, while the winners will be announced and presented with their prizes on August 3.

He said the initiative was inspired by what the party described as the achievements of Governor Alex Otti’s administration over the past three years.