An undergraduate student of Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun state, Ogunleye Esther, has emerged winner of the Abuja City Journal (ACJ) second annual national essay competition held Monday at the Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.
The excited Esther secured N2.5 million prize money, and the prestigious PCNGI Brand Ambassador title in a competition that drew over 700 entries.
“This experience has taught me that I have great potential and can achieve anything I set my mind to do. Thank you, ACJ, for believing in us,” she said with her voice brimming with gratitude.
A press statement issued by the Editor-in-Chief of ACJ, Otunba Gboyega Adeoye, Tuesday, said the first runner-up, Amarachi Ojiako Judith, an undergraduate student of Godfrey Okoye University, also took home the sum of N1.5 million, reflecting on the transformative impact of the competition.
The statement said second runner-up, Suleiman Abubakar Danazumi, an undergraduate student of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, went home with N1 million, describing the experience as life-changing.
“This programme has allowed us to chase our talents. I’m truly grateful to ACJ for this opportunity.
“This is my first time flying and winning a million naira,” he said, commending the Journal for making a remarkable impact in his life,” he exclaimed, showcasing how the initiative transcends education to touch lives.
Centered on the theme, “Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as an Alternative Fuel for Transportation and Its Cost Impact on Subsidy Removal in Nigeria,” the event championed a cleaner, brighter future for Nigeria and galvanised national discourse on energy transformation while celebrating the intellectual brilliance of Nigerian youth.
The ACJ publisher and CEO, Mr. Foluso Sylvanus Ojo, said the competition was not just about essays but about igniting the spark of innovation in the hearts of young Nigerians.
Highlighting ACJ’s relentless dedication to excellence, Mr. Ojo described the initiative as a vehicle for empowering youth and redefining Nigeria’s narrative, saying over 700 entries were meticulously screened, leading to the emergence of 25 exceptional finalists from across the country.
The event garnered endorsements from industry leaders and policymakers, including the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and Pi-CNG.
Speaking on behalf of FIRS, Collins Osagie Omokaro, Special Adviser on Communication and Advocacy to the chairman FIRS, Zaccheus Adedeji, lauded the competition’s alignment with Nigeria’s energy and economic goals.
“This initiative exemplifies the power of youth engagement in shaping national development,” he remarked.
On his part, Tosin Coker, Head of Commercial at Pi-CNG, emphasised the criticality of CNG adoption.
