The Abia State chapter of the Labour Party has unveiled its maiden statewide essay writing competition for secondary and tertiary institution students, with a total prize pool of ₦2.8 million, in a move aimed at promoting youth participation in governance and public policy.
The initiative was announced on Friday during a media briefing at the Labour Party State Secretariat in Umuahia by the State Secretary of the party, Barr. Chuks Akamadu, on behalf of the State Working Committee led by the State Chairman, Hon. Peter Azubuike.
Akamadu said the competition, the first of its kind by the party in the state, aligns with the vision of Governor Dr. Alex Otti to build a disciplined, well-organized and people-oriented political party while encouraging youth engagement in the state’s democratic and developmental process.
According to him, the Labour Party, as the ruling party in Abia State, remains committed to promoting civic education, encouraging constructive public discourse, and providing platforms for young people to contribute ideas that can shape government policies.
He explained that the essay competition is designed to stimulate intellectual engagement among young Abians by encouraging them to examine the progress recorded under the current administration and suggest ideas for sustaining the state’s development.
The theme of the competition is “The New Abia and the Need for Consolidation.”
Barr. Akamadu said the exercise seeks to gather fresh perspectives from young people across the state and beyond.
“Through this literary exercise, we want to collate ideas and perspectives of young Abians and synthesize them into viable policy options and government programmes. As the ruling party, we have a responsibility to periodically evaluate public opinion and channel constructive ideas to government,” he said.
He commended Governor Alex Otti for creating what he described as a “New Abia” that has attracted national attention through governance reforms and infrastructure development.
According to him, the transformation witnessed in the state over the past three years provides an opportunity for students to critically assess the progress made and propose ways of sustaining it.
The competition is open to secondary school students, tertiary institution students, Abia residents, and Abians living in the diaspora.
The organisers announced two categories for the competition.
Under Category A for secondary school students, the winner will receive ₦500,000, while the first and second runners-up will receive ₦300,000 and ₦250,000 respectively.
For Category B, which is for students in tertiary institutions, the winner will receive ₦1 million, the first runner-up ₦500,000, while the second runner-up will receive ₦250,000.
Barr. Akamadu disclosed that several consolation prizes would also be awarded to outstanding participants, while exceptional schools and institutions would receive special recognition.
He said entries must not exceed 1,500 words and should be submitted through the party’s official email address, [email protected], on or before July 17, 2026.
The prize presentation ceremony is scheduled to hold on August 3, 2026.
Responding to questions from journalists, Akamadu disclosed that the Abia State Ministry of Education would be involved in the assessment process to ensure credibility and transparency.
He emphasized that participation in the competition is completely free of charge, urging eligible students not to pay money to anyone for registration.
According to him, the objective of the initiative is to understand how young people perceive the ongoing transformation in Abia State and provide them with a platform to contribute meaningfully to public discourse.
He added that beyond the cash prizes, the party is also considering extending support to exceptional participants through scholarship opportunities and other educational interventions.
Akamadu encouraged all eligible students, irrespective of the number of expected entries, to participate, assuring that every submission would receive due consideration.
He described the competition as another demonstration of the Labour Party’s commitment to youth inclusion and empowerment, stressing that the future of Abia belongs to its young people.
