The Abia State chapter of the Labour Party has introduced a statewide essay competition for students in secondary and tertiary institutions, with a total prize pool of ₦2.8 million.
The initiative, according to the party, is intended to encourage youth involvement in governance, public policy and civic engagement while providing young people with a platform to contribute ideas toward the development of Abia State.
The competition was officially unveiled on Thursday at the Labour Party secretariat in Umuahia.
Speaking during the launch, the party’s State Secretary, Chuks Akamadu, described the programme as the first essay competition organised by the Abia chapter of the Labour Party.
He explained that the initiative reflects the party’s commitment to promoting democratic ideals, civic responsibility and active participation in governance.
According to him, the competition is designed to inspire intellectual engagement among young people while generating practical policy ideas that could contribute to the state’s growth and development.
“The competition aligns with the Labour Party’s commitment to 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.
“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.
Akamadu announced that participants would write on the topic: “The New Abia and Need for Consolidation.”
He explained that the subject was carefully selected to capture the views of young people on the achievements of Governor Alex Otti’s administration and explore ways those gains could be sustained in the years ahead.
The Labour Party secretary disclosed that the competition would be conducted in two categories covering secondary school students and students of tertiary institutions.
Under Category A, which is for secondary school students, the overall winner will receive a cash prize of ₦500,000, while the second and third-place winners will receive ₦300,000 and ₦250,000 respectively.
For Category B, reserved for students of tertiary institutions, the first prize winner will receive ₦1 million, with the second and third positions attracting ₦500,000 and ₦250,000 respectively.
Akamadu further revealed that deserving participants who do not finish among the top three would receive consolation prizes.
He added that schools attended by the overall winners in both categories would also be specially recognised during the award ceremony.
According to him, essays must not exceed 1,500 words and should be submitted electronically through the party’s official email address on or before July 17.
He stated that winners would be announced and prizes presented during a ceremony scheduled for August 3.
Akamadu also commended Governor Alex Otti for what he described as the remarkable progress recorded by his administration over the past three years, noting that those achievements inspired the essay competition.
“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.
