By Law Ibitoye
The Ekiti State Government has announced a youth essay competition as part of activities marking the 30th anniversary of the creation of the state, with the winner set to receive a cash prize of ₦1.5 million, a laptop and certificate.
The competition, titled “Ekiti at 30: My Dream and Agenda for the Next Thirty Years,” is being organised by the Ekiti State at 30 Anniversary Planning Committee to provide young Ekiti indigenes with an opportunity to articulate their vision and practical agenda for the development of the state up to 2056.
According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Yinka Oyebode, the competition is open to Ekiti indigenes between the ages of 18 and 35, whether resident in the state or outside the country. Participants are expected to address issues including agriculture, education, technology, entrepreneurship, job creation, healthcare, infrastructure, governance, culture and tourism, and environmental sustainability.
The first prize winner will receive ₦1.5 million, a laptop and certificate, while the second and third prize winners will receive ₦1 million and ₦750,000 respectively, alongside laptops and certificates. Seven other finalists will receive ₦100,000 each and certificates of distinction. The top 10 essays will be edited and published in a commemorative publication, while finalists will participate in an Ekiti Youth Futures Forum scheduled for December.
The committee said winners will be announced and presented with their prizes at the Ekiti at 30 Future Summit scheduled for October 7, 2026, in Ado-Ekiti. Entries are expected to be submitted between September 11 and September 28, 2026, through www.ekitistate.gov.ng/essay, with the strongest proposals to be compiled and presented to the state government as a proposed “Youth Agenda for Ekiti 2056.”
