Labour Party unveils ₦2.8m essay competition in Abia

The Abia State chapter of the Labour Party has launched a statewide essay competition for secondary and tertiary institution students, with cash prizes totalling ₦2.8m.

The party said the initiative was aimed at promoting youth participation in governance and public policy while encouraging young people to contribute ideas to the development of the state.

Speaking during the launch at the party’s secretariat in Umuahia on Thursday, the state secretary of the party, Chuks Akamadu, described the competition as the first of its kind by the Abia chapter of the Labour Party.

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

“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 the essay topic is “The New Abia and Need for Consolidation.”

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According to him, the competition is designed to gather the perspectives of young people on the achievements of the administration of Governor Alex Otti and how the gains can be sustained.

He said the competition has two categories.

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

“For Category B (Tertiary Institution Students), the first prize is ₦1 million, while the second and third prize winners will receive ₦500,000 and ₦250,000 respectively,” he stated.

Akamadu added that consolation prizes would also be presented to outstanding participants outside the top three, while the schools of the prize winners would receive special recognition.

He said entries, which must not exceed 1,500 words, should be submitted electronically to the party’s official email address on or before July 17, adding that the prize presentation would hold on August 3.

The Labour Party secretary commended Governor Alex Otti for what he described as the administration’s achievements over the past three years, saying they inspired the initiative.

“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.