Flourish Olaoye, Two Others, Emerge Winners Of 2024 Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition

Olaoye Flourish of Christ the King International School, Gbagada, Lagos, has been declared the winner of the 19th edition of the Bishop Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition for Nigerian secondary schools after 341 essays were disqualified due to infractions.

Flourish Olaoye won first place with 71% in the first round and 75% in the final round, which were held at The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) International Headquarters in Gbagada, Lagos, for a total average score of 73%. Nora Femi-Lawal of Chrisland High School in Lekki finished second with scores of 65% in the first round and 64% in the final round, for an average score of 64.5%.

According to a  press statement signed by Rev. Tony Samuel, Olayimika Esther Durotimi of Corona Secondary School, Agbara, finished third, scoring 62% in the first round and 60% in the final round, for an average score of 61%.

The Chief Examiner, Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, stated, “The three winners approached the topics with a level of thoughtfulness appropriate for their age.” They presented their ideas in a manner appropriate for exceptional students of their age and grade level.

“Their command of English language structures demonstrates their meticulous nature and great potential. We congratulate them and the other finalists, and wish them continued success in their future endeavours.”

She also commented on the growing influence of AI tools like ChatGPT, Google Assistant, and Gemini, along with online services that produce and sell essays to students, as becoming commonplace in our educational system.

“As we can no longer avoid these technologies,” she noted, “we must adapt to them and remain vigilant in finding ways to mitigate their negative impact on knowledge production.”

Professor Adimora-Ezeigbo further emphasised, “While we reflect on the direction scientific advancements are leading us, the seven students invited to the finals offer a glimmer of hope.

“They have engaged with issues, using both their hearts and minds, employing original thought within the framework of knowledge production methodologies.

“These students are the ones who, through their creativity, generate the content that technology often feeds upon. We must, therefore, encourage them—as Bishop Okonkwo is doing—by sharpening their critical thinking skills, recognising their contributions, and rewarding their efforts.”

Olaoye Flourish will receive a cheque for N500,000, as well as a trophy and a plaque, and her school will receive a computer set. Nora Femi-Lawal, who finished second, will receive an N250,000 cheque, a plaque, and a set of computers for her school.

Miss Olayimika Esther Durotimi will receive an N150,000 cheque, a plaque, and a computer set for her school for finishing third this year. The remaining finalists will each receive a consolation prize of N20,000.

All the winners and their schools will be honoured and rewarded at the 23rd Bishop Mike Okonkwo Annual Lecture Series, with the theme “Nigeria’s Pathways: Diagnosis and Prescriptions.”.

The event will take place at the Zenith Bank Shell Hall, Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos, on Thursday, September 5, 2024. Kanu Agabi, a highly respected Nigerian lawyer and politician who has served as a senator and twice as Attorney General and Minister of Justice of the Federation, will deliver the lecture.

Mr. Atedo Peterside, President and Founder of the ANAP Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to promoting good governance in Nigeria, will chair the event.

The Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition was launched in 2004 to commemorate the birthday of TREM’s Presiding Bishop, Dr. Mike Okonkwo (MFR). Beyond the celebration, the competition was established to make a meaningful contribution to the development of the Nigerian educational sector.

For nineteen years, Dr. Mike Okonkwo has remained committed to this cause, using his God-given talents, strength, and resources to bless the younger generation in their pursuit of academic excellence.

By encouraging students to develop strong reading and writing habits, Dr. Okonkwo, a man of faith who believes in the holistic development of humanity, has made significant strides in achieving his vision through the institutionalisation of the Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition.

The essay competition has sparked a heightened interest in research, extensive reading, and constructive writing among participating students. In addition to enkindling a passion for reading and writing, the competition provides students with a platform to express their views on crucial issues, impacting the socio-economic development of our nation.

It has also played a role in advancing ICT development in secondary schools, particularly within government-owned institutions. Winners from both government and private schools have been consistently rewarded with both in-kind and cash gifts.

Dr. Mike Okonkwo, the Chief Sponsor and visionary behind the programme remains confident that Nigerian youths can compete on par with their peers in developed nations.