The 2025 National Essay Competition culminated in a grand ceremony in Abuja on Wednesday, November 26, with Vincent Maduka emerging as the national champion and receiving a substantial cash prize. The event, which spotlighted Nigeria's future through the lens of taxation, saw intense participation from brilliant young minds across the nation.
Celebrating Intellectual Excellence
Convened by Foluso Sylvanus Ojo, publisher of Abuja City Journal, the competition was born from a desire to recognize academic excellence among Nigerian youth. Ojo expressed concern about the underrepresentation of hardworking students in national celebrations compared to entertainers.
"Our youth should be celebrated for their intellectual achievements," Ojo emphasized, recalling an incident where a top graduate received minimal recognition while entertainers were awarded millions. This realization motivated him to create a platform supporting students with exceptional intellectual capabilities.
Tax Reforms: Writing Nigeria's Future
This year's theme, "Write the Future," challenged participants to explore how tax reforms could shape Nigeria's economic landscape. The focus directly reflected the country's evolving fiscal environment, with young people tasked to envision a prosperous future for the nation.
"We are writing towards the future because the topics discussed today, like tax policies, are about Nigeria's development," Ojo added during the event.
The competition results showcased exceptional talent:
- Vincent Maduka - National Winner
- Loveson Anselm - First Runner-up
- Ogunleye Ayomide - Second Runner-up
Personal Journeys to Success
Loveson Anselm, a medical student from the University of Jos, shared his remarkable journey to becoming a finalist. "It's a dream come true," Anselm revealed. "I was in the middle of my professional exams when I saw the notice. I took the chance, researched deeply on tax reforms, and it paid off."
Through his research, Anselm discovered that the government's tax reform intentions were genuine. He believes that "if fully implemented, it will positively impact Nigeria's fiscal health."
FIRS Commitment to Youth Development
The Federal Inland Revenue Service played a crucial role as the competition's sponsor. Mohamed Adaya Salisu, Chief Economic Advisor to the FIRS Chairman, emphasized the importance of educating Nigerian youth about tax administration.
"The future is bright. The FIRS is committed to funding education and human capital development, which are crucial for Nigeria's growth," Salisu stated.
The event also featured Engineer Michael Oluwagbemi, who delivered an insightful speech about Nigeria's potential and challenges. He highlighted that "Nigeria, with its young population, faces numerous challenges but also immense opportunities," while noting the nation's growing influence across Africa.
As the ceremony concluded, finalists were encouraged to continue their education and remain engaged in nation-building, particularly in areas like tax reform. Anselm offered powerful advice to his peers: "Education is not a scam; it pays," urging them to embrace critical thinking beyond social media rhetoric.
