Obaigbena Essay Awards Inspire Hope for Nigerian Students

The inaugural Prince Nduka Obaigbena National Secondary Schools Essay Competition has sparked a wave of optimism among Nigerian students, as the winners were announced on Tuesday to loud celebrations in Abuja and Ughelli, Delta State.

The competition, organised by Barrister Frank Tietie in honour of Prince Nduka Obaigbena, Chairman of the THISDAY/ARISE Group, was described as a powerful platform to discover and celebrate young Nigerian talents in writing and critical thinking.

Announcing the winners, Prof. Abiodun Adeniyi of Baze University revealed that Ray Iserioghene Mukoro emerged overall winner, followed by Princewill Ogenhevwegba Kaizee and Egarievwe Unique Efetobor as first and second runners-up, respectively.

“The essays were reviewed using key assessment rubrics that included originality of thought, depth of insight, clarity of expression, relevance to the theme, grammatical accuracy, and the ability to engage the reader,” said Adeniyi.

He noted that the entries demonstrated deep admiration for the subject of the essay, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, and reflected students’ ambition for national greatness. “Many participants wrote with remarkable focus and ambition, suggesting a strong internal drive to achieve personal and national greatness, much like the man they wrote about,” he stated.

Adeniyi emphasized the integrity of the process: “In making the final selection, the panel prioritised originality, creativity, stylistic flair, and an authentic understanding of the subject’s legacy.”

According to him, “These young minds… represent the brightest hopes of our educational system and the future of national thought leadership.”

He commended the event’s convener: “Special recognition must be accorded to Barrister Frank Tietie, the vivacious and boisterous attorney-at-law, whose foresight and passion brought this competition to life.”

“This competition stands not only as a tribute to the life and legacy of Prince Nduka Obaigbena but also as a clarion call to Nigerian youths: to write, to reason, to dream, and to lead.”

An emotionally moved Tietie described the event’s impact on young participants: “This is one small step towards a giant realisation of young talents in research and writing. With tears in my eyes right now, I feel such joy that no amount of money can buy.”

Recalling his own childhood admiration for Obaigbena, he added: “About 36 years ago, I was just like one of those boys when I first heard about Prince Nduka Obaigbena and his publications.”

“Despite many years of legal practice, the media and journalism kept calling out to me… I pray that every young person discovers and develops his/her talents early in life because dreams do come true.”

Tietie also reflected on destiny and the influence of mentors: “Now, I realized the influence that successful people like Prince Nduka Obaigbena… can have on children, like the way Prince Nduka Obaigbena influenced me to love journalism many years ago.”

The event, held under the theme “The Quest for Truth and Integrity in Broadcasting in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI),” featured a keynote by Prof. Sam Amadi, who addressed the growing influence of AI in media.

“I will say this, that the broadcasting landscape will be enabled by AI, with the quality of research, with real-time cross-checking, with capabilities that will enhance both our reach as well as our depth,” Amadi said.

“But we run the risk that if we don’t build up the control systems to match the level of sophistication that AI brings, we run the risk that broadcasting journalism as a whole could become a threat to society.”

Amadi also applauded Tietie’s efforts: “I have to commend Barr. Frank Tietie for bringing this recognition and innovative celebration of a legend into sharp focus which in itself is timely, fitting and commendable.”

As Mukoro, Kaizee and Efetobor bask in their well-earned recognition, the success of the Obaigbena Essay Awards has ignited a flame of inspiration for students nationwide—proving that with mentorship, encouragement, and a platform, young Nigerians can truly shine.