CASER launches National Secondary School Essay Competition in Honour of Prince Nduka Obaigbena

The Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER) is delighted to announce the launch of the National Secondary School Essay Competition in honour of Prince Nduka Obaigbena, Chairman of the ThisDay/ARISE Group.

This initiative celebrates his outstanding contributions to the advancement of excellence in journalism and broadcasting across Africa.

The competition, held annually, seeks to inspire secondary school students across Nigeria to develop strong writing skills, critical thinking, rigorous research, and a commitment to truth—the core principles of responsible journalism. In an age marked by misinformation, online abuse, and the erosion of ethical communication, this competition aims to steer young minds towards integrity, clarity, and accuracy in expression.

Essay Review and Judging Panel Submissions will be judged exclusively by Professor Abiodun Adeniyi, a leading Professor of Communication and Registrar at Baze University, Abuja. Professor Sunny Awhefada, a distinguished scholar from the Department of English and Literary Studies at Delta State University, Abraka, developed the evaluation criteria.

Prizes and Date of Award The top three winning essays will receive the following cash prizes:

1st Prize: ₦500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira)

2nd Prize: ₦300,000 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira)

3rd Prize: ₦200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira)

Winners will be announced and awarded on 14 July 2025, coinciding with the birthday anniversary of Prince Nduka Obaigbena.

Inaugural Edition: Government College Ughelli The maiden edition of the competition will be exclusive to students of Government College Ughelli (GCU), the alma mater of Prince Obaigbena. To ensure a smooth rollout, a Local Organising Committee (LOC) comprising members of the GCU Old Boys has been constituted as follows:

1. Mike Akoreh – Chairman

2. Efe Onomake – Alternate Chairman

3. Charles (Charlie) Umuakpero – Secretary

4. Oghenevwoke Edjere – Member

5. Sunny Ahanmisi – Member

6. Anthony Mukoro – Member

The committee will begin its duties immediately to coordinate all activities and ensure the successful implementation of the competition.

Issued by: Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER)