15-year-old Wins AKSEPWMA Essay Competition, Bags N300,000 Cash Prize
Uko Okon, Uyo
Ememobong Sunday Udofia, a 15-year-old SS3 student from Word of Faith International School, has emerged as the overall winner of the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency’s (AKSEPWMA) essay competition.
The competition focused on “The Role of Citizens in Effective Waste Management,” received 2,175 entries.
At a press conference on Tuesday at the Agency’s office complex, Obong (Dr.) Prince Ikim, Chairman of AKSEPWMA, presented cash prizes to the winners.
Ememobong Sunday Udofia received a cash award of N300,000, while Emaediong Christopher Umo and Ndifreke Patrick Akpan secured second and third places with cash prizes of N250,000 and N100,000, respectively.
Other winners are fourth place: Goodluck Luke Udoka of Federal Government College, Ikot Ekpene and fifth place: Favour Iniobong Sunday, a JS2 student from Topfaith Legacy College, Ikot Ekpene
In addition to the cash prize, Ememobong Sunday Udofia will serve as Chairman of the Agency for 24 hours during the next sanitation exercise scheduled for Saturday, February 22, 2025.
Ikim noted that the essay competition was organised to improve knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to environmental sustainability.
According to him, the criteria for judging the winners included content, originality, language and style, organisation and structure, and the final score. He said that the five winners selected performed above average.
The agency has concluded plans to establish a Waste Management Club in secondary schools in the state, and the winner has become the agency’s face.
In her response, the Essay winner, Udofia, expressed delight in being the face of the Agency, adding that it is a step in the right direction toward her destiny. I hope to grow to greater heights and achievements.
She said, “I almost did not participate in the contest because I was disappointed in the last contest I participated inbut my teacher encouraged me. I thank God that I listened to him and I greatly appreciate Obong Ikim for the gesture.”
