Miss Flourish Olaoye of Christ the King International School, Gbagada, Lagos has emerged the winner of the 19th edition of the Bishop Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition for Nigerian secondary schools.
In a statement signed by Head Corporate Affairs Department, Rev. Tony Samuel of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission, (TREM), Miss Olaoye emerged winner out of 551 entries submitted by secondary schools across Nigeria, and after disqualifying 341 essays due to infractions.
To clinch first place, Flourish Olaoye scored 71 percent in the initial round of the competition and 75 percent in the final round, which was held at The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) International Headquarters, Gbagada, Lagos, achieving a total average score of 73 percent.
Nora Femi-Lawal of Chrisland High School, Lekki, came second with 65 percent in the first round and 64 percent in the final round, resulting in an average score of 64.5 percent.
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Olayimika Esther Durotimi of Corona Secondary School, Agbara, who scored 62 percent in the first round and 60 percent in the final round, with an average score of 61 percent came third.
For their achievements, Olaoye Flourish will receive a cheque for N500,000, along with a trophy and a plaque, while her school will be awarded a set of computers. Nora Femi-Lawal, who secured second place, will take home a cheque for N250, 000 and a plaque, with her school also receiving a set of computers.
For placing third in this year’s competition, Miss Olayimika Esther Durotimi will be awarded a cheque for N150, 000, a plaque, and a computer set for her school.
The remaining finalists will each receive a consolation prize of N20, 000.
The Chief Examiner, Prof. Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, noted, “The three winners tackled the topics with a level of thoughtfulness appropriate for their age. They conveyed their ideas in a manner befitting exceptional students of their age and grade.
Their command of the English language structures highlights their meticulous nature and significant potential. We congratulate them, as well as the other finalists, and wish them great success in their future endeavours.”
The Examiners, Prof. Patrick Oloko and Dr. John Uwa (middle) in a group photograph with the Winners of the 19th Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition.
She however commented on the growing influence of AI tools like ChatGPT, Google Assistant, and Gemini, along with online services that produce and sell essays to students, as becoming commonplace in our educational system.
“As we can no longer avoid these technologies,” she noted, “we must adapt to them and remain vigilant in finding ways to mitigate their negative impact on knowledge production,” she advised.
Prof. Adimora-Ezeigbo further said: “While we reflect on the direction scientific advancements are leading us, the seven students invited to the finals offer a glimmer of hope.
They have engaged with issues, using both their hearts and minds, employing original thought within the framework of knowledge production methodologies.
“These students are the ones who, through their creativity, generate the content that technology often feeds upon. We must, therefore, encourage them as Bishop Okonkwo is doing by sharpening their critical thinking skills, recognising their contributions, and rewarding their efforts,” she added.
All the winners and their schools will be honoured and rewarded at the 23rd Bishop Mike Okonkwo Annual Lecture Series, with the theme: “Nigeria’s Pathways: Diagnosis and Prescriptions”.
The event will take place at the Zenith Bank Shell Hall, Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos, on Thursday, September 5, 2024.
The lecture will be delivered by Barrister Kanu Agabi, a highly esteemed Nigerian lawyer and politician who has served as a Senator and twice as Attorney General and Minister of Justice of the Federation.
The event will have as chairman, Mr. Atedo Peterside, the President and Founder, ANAP Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting good governance in Nigeria.
The Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition was launched in 2004 as part of the celebrations of the birthday of the Presiding Bishop of TREM, Dr. Mike Okonkwo (MFR). Beyond the celebration, the competition was established to make a meaningful contribution to the development of the Nigerian educational sector.
For nineteen years, Dr. Mike Okonkwo has remained committed to this cause, using his God-given talents, strength, and resources to bless the younger generation in their pursuit of academic excellence.
By encouraging students to develop strong reading and writing habits, Dr. Okonkwo, a man of faith who believes in the holistic development of humanity, has made significant strides in achieving his vision through the institutionalisation of the Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition.
The essay competition has sparked a heightened interest in research, extensive reading, and constructive writing among participating students. In addition to enkindling a passion for reading and writing, the competition provides students with a platform to express their views on crucial issues, impacting the socio-economic development of our nation.
It has also played a role in advancing ICT development in secondary schools, particularly within government-owned institutions. Winners from both government and private schools have been consistently rewarded with both in-kind and cash gifts.
Dr. Mike Okonkwo, the Chief Sponsor and visionary behind the programme, remains confident that Nigerian youths can compete on par with their peers in developed nations.
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