The Abia State Chapter of the Labour Party has launched a statewide essay writing competition for secondary and tertiary institution students, with cash prizes totaling ₦2.8 million, as part of efforts to promote youth participation in governance and public policy.
The initiative was unveiled by the State Secretary of the Labour Party, Barr. Chuks Akamadu, during a media briefing held on Thursday at the party’s State Secretariat in Umuahia.
Addressing journalists, Akamadu said the competition is the first of its kind by the Abia State Chapter of the party and is designed to encourage young people to contribute ideas that will support the ongoing transformation of the state under the administration of Governor Alex Otti, OFR.
According to him, the competition aligns with the Labour Party’s commitment to promoting equal opportunity, social justice, civic education, and responsible political participation.
He explained that the exercise seeks to stimulate intellectual engagement among young Abians while generating practical ideas and policy recommendations that could contribute to governance and development.
“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 said.
Barr. Akamadu announced that the topic for the competition is “The New Abia and Need for Consolidation.”
He noted that through the initiative, the party intends to gather the views and perspectives of young people on the progress made by the present administration and how such achievements can be sustained.
The competition is divided into 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.
Barr. Akamadu disclosed that consolation prizes would also be presented to outstanding participants who do not finish among the top three, while schools and institutions of prize winners will receive special recognition.
He called on eligible students from secondary and tertiary institutions, including Abians in the Diaspora and residents of the state, to participate in the competition.
According to the guidelines, entries must not exceed 1,500 words and should include the entrant’s name and school or institution immediately below the essay topic.
All essays are to be submitted electronically through the party’s official email address, info@labourpartyabia.com.ng, on or before July 17, 2026.
The prize presentation ceremony is scheduled to hold on August 3, 2026.
Barr. Akamadu commended Governor Alex Otti for inspiring the initiative through what he described as the administration’s remarkable achievements over the past three years.
He stated that the current administration has transformed Abia into a model state worthy of study by others, adding that the competition offers young people an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the state’s future.
He reaffirmed the Labour Party’s commitment to giving youths a platform to express their ideas, describing them as critical stakeholders in the continued development of Abia State.
“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.
