The Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has introduced personalised trophies in its annual essay competition to inspire students to develop creative skills.
Mrs Oluyemisi Adebesin, Director of Co-curricular Service Division in the ministry, said on Tuesday that the trophies would create lasting memories in the winners and encourage more students to participate.
She spoke at the grand finale of the 2025 edition at the Education Resource Centre, Ojodu.
She said that the winners of the 2025 edition performed brilliantly, progressing through multiple contest stages, which attracted over 5,000 entries from over 100 schools across six educational districts, in three categories.
The topics of the Year 2025 essay writing competitions are: ‘Technology in Education: A blessing or Course’ and ‘Digital Youth: Bold Future’.
“The personalised trophies are meant for children to see and cherish, inspiring continued writing, talent development, and nurturing the next generation of outstanding literary leaders,” Adebesin said.
She said that some students exhibited stage fright and needed confidence during presentations.
Adebesin also commended the essay markers, describing the evaluation process as excellent.
Mrs Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, praised the winners and their teachers.
She encouraged students to leverage competitions to showcase and improve their writing skills for academic and creative development.
She encouraged students to leverage competitions to showcase and improve their writing skills for academic and creative development.
She reaffirmed the state government’s support for initiatives that would sharpen abilities, inspire excellence and nurture young leaders.
According to her, the competition builds confidence, strengthens curiosity and enables learners across primary, junior and senior secondary school levels to excel through creativity, discipline and innovative thinking.
NAN reports that the 2025 edition celebrated nine winners across primary, junior and senior secondary school categories, with each student demonstrating exceptional writing skills, insight and intellectual promise.
In the primary category, Yusuf Folorunsho emerged first, Yekini Moridiat placed second, and Khadijah Sulaiman, third.
They represented schools from Alimosho and Agege education authorities.
In the junior secondary category, Oluwaseun Gabriel took the first position, Akinola Matthew emerged second, and Patrick Rhoda placed third, showcasing strong entries from Districts II and V.
In the senior secondary category, Amirat Abdul-Yekini emerged first, Mantori Zaradeen came second, and Adekoya Omowonuola placed third, showcasing quality entries from Lagos Education Districts I, II, and IV.
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The state Tutor-General and Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Education District V, Mr Hassan Abiodun, expressed delight at the students’ presentations.
He advised students to make writing a lifestyle, acquire vocabularies and strive to improve in their writing skills.
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