The Governor-elect of Niger, Alhaji Umar Bago, has organised an essay competition to empower secondary school students in the state.
This is contained in a statement on Tuesday in Minna by Bago and made available to newsmen.
Bago said that the competition, which was opened to all secondary school students, would encourage participants to think critically about the state’s most pressing issues.
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The 1,000 word essay competition has “the Niger state I want” as its theme.
“We want to hear from our young people about what their dreams are.
“We want to encourage them to showcase their writing skills as a way of developing them.
“They are the future of our state, and their ideas and perspectives are invaluable,” Bago said.
He said that the essay would be an opportunity for students to share their thoughts on the challenges facing the state and proffer solutions.
The Governor Elect said that participants are encouraged propose innovative solutions to issues such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and the economy.
He stated that the winning essay would receive a mini laptop, the second prize an android tablet device, while the third prize would receive an android phone sponsored by the Bago Foundation.
“I am looking forward to reading the submissions.
“I am confident that our state’s youth will impress us with their ideas and creativity,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the essay competition is one of the initiatives Bago started towards engaging and empowering students in the the state.
Accordding to Bago, “our young people are our greatest asset.
“I want to ensure that they have the tools and resources they need to succeed and make a positive impact on our state.”
The prizes are to be awarded to winners on children’s day, May 27th by Bago.