Five students who distinguished themselves at the recently concluded 2nd edition of the Chief of Army Staff Literary Competition held in Lagos were rewarded with over N1 million cash prize. .

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) Maj.-Gen. Farouk Mijinyawa, who represented the COAS, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, said that the competition was in line with the Nigerian Army’s Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) initiatives.

Mr Mijinyawa said this on Friday in a statement signed by the division’s spokesperson, Lt.-Col. Musa Yahaya.

He added that the event was part of the activities commemorating the Nigerian Army’s 162nd Anniversary Day Celebration (NADCEL 2025).

Entry into the COAS Literary Competitions 2025 was opened to primary schools, secondary schools and undergraduates in Nigeria from October 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025.

After a thorough assessment of the entries submitted by students, five winners emerged within the 81 Division Area of Responsibility and were gifted cash prizes on Thursday at the Division Headquarters, Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos State.

Mr Mijinyawa said that the competition featured various categories, with notable performances from students across schools within the Division’s Area of Responsibility, which included Lagos and Ogun states.

The GOC congratulated the winners for their outstanding academic performance and literary prowess at the competition.

“I urge the students to sustain the pursuit of excellence and discipline in their studies. I also commend the pivotal role of the parents and teachers in shaping the character and intellect of the students,” he said.

Mr Mijinyawa said that Morenikeji Joshua of the Federal College of Education Staff School Osiele, Ogun State, emerged first in the Primary Arts category with a cash prize of ₦250,000. Edgar-Okoh Ozioma of Command Day Secondary School Ikeja, Lagos State, clinched the first position in the Secondary Essay category with a cash prize of ₦600,000. Ofulue Ekene of Babington Macaulay Junior Secondary School. Ikorodu, Lagos State, secured the second position in the same category with a prize money of ₦250,000.

He said, “Alexis Agenhta of Square College, Lekki, Lagos State took third place in the Secondary Arts Category with a cash prize of ₦100,000.’’

(NAN)