RismadarVoice Reporters, July 2, 2026
The Abia State chapter of the Labour Party has unveiled a statewide essay competition with a total prize pool of ₦2.8 million for secondary school and tertiary institution students.
The initiative, according to the party, is aimed at encouraging youth participation in governance, promoting civic education, and inspiring young people to contribute ideas that will support the state’s development.
Speaking at the launch on Thursday at the party’s secretariat in Umuahia, the Labour Party’s State Secretary, Barr. Chuks Akamadu, described the competition as the first of its kind by the party in Abia.
He said the initiative reflects the party’s commitment to strengthening democratic values, social justice and responsible political engagement among young people.
“The competition aligns with the Labour Party’s commitment to promoting equal opportunity, social justice, civic education and responsible political participation,” Akamadu said.
He added that the exercise is intended to stimulate intellectual discourse among young Abians while generating practical policy ideas that could contribute to governance and sustainable development.
According to him, this year’s essay topic is “The New Abia and the Need for Consolidation.”
Akamadu explained that participants are expected to examine the achievements of Governor Alex Otti’s administration and propose ideas for sustaining the state’s development.
The competition is divided into two categories.
In the secondary school category, the winner will receive ₦500,000, while the first and second runners-up will receive ₦300,000 and ₦250,000, respectively.
For tertiary institution students, the overall winner will receive ₦1 million, while the second and third-place winners will take home ₦500,000 and ₦250,000, respectively.
He disclosed that additional consolation prizes would be presented to outstanding participants outside the top three, while the schools attended by the winning students would also receive special recognition.
Entries, which must not exceed 1,500 words, are to be submitted electronically to the party’s official email address on or before July 17, while winners will be announced and honoured on August 3
Akamadu commended Governor Alex Otti for what he described as the progress recorded by his administration over the past three years, noting that the achievements inspired the competition.
“The future of Abia belongs to our young people. Through this competition, we are giving them a platform to contribute to the political and developmental conversation shaping our state,” he said.
