A fresh wave of Nigerian brilliance took centre stage in Yenagoa as 16-year-old Josephine Oyinkansola Akande from Obafemi Awolowo University emerged winner of the 9th edition of the NCDMB Annual National Undergraduate Essay Competition. The award ceremony, held at the Nigerian Content Tower, celebrated exceptional young thinkers shaping conversations around Nigeria’s energy future.
Josephine, a 200-level medical student from Osun State, outperformed nine other finalists and clinched the top prize of one million naira. She also received an HP laptop and additional prize items, marking a standout moment in her early academic journey. Her win reflects not only her writing ability but also the growing participation of young Nigerians in national intellectual competitions.
Her victory set the stage for other impressive achievers. Sonuga Sultan Opeyemi, a 23-year-old medical student from the Federal University of Technology Akure, secured the first runner-up position with a cash prize of seven hundred thousand naira and an HP laptop. Amarachi Precious Aguigwe, a 200-level computer science student from the University of Uyo, took the second runner-up spot with a prize of five hundred thousand naira and an HP laptop. The remaining finalists also received HP laptops as consolation prizes along with copies of Nigeria’s Local Content: A Journey of Strategic Communication and Economic Transformation, authored by Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, General Manager of the NCDMB Corporate Communications Division.
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Board Emphasizes Local Content Awareness and Youth Development
Speaking at the ceremony, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, highlighted the Board’s commitment to nurturing young thinkers. The essay competition, he explained, exists to spark conversations on local content among undergraduates while strengthening their understanding of its importance in achieving sustainable national development. He added that local content is not merely a policy but an economic strategy Nigeria must continue to advance.
Engr. Felix noted that the competition strengthens soft skills that young people need in a rapidly changing digital economy. He emphasized the value of critical thinking, problem solving and analytical reasoning, stating that these abilities prepare students to engage with the realities of a global energy transition. Engr. Ogbe, represented by the Chief Supervisor of Government Relations, Mr. Teddy Bai, encouraged participants to remain curious, focused and committed to academic excellence.
The programme consultant, Mr. Eyinimi Omorozi of Mahogany 21st Century Concepts Limited, acknowledged the NCDMB for sustaining the initiative for nine years. He commended the transparency of the judging process and applauded the students for their dedication. Professor Barclays Ayakoromo, Chairman of the occasion and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) at the University of Africa, Bayelsa State, also appreciated the Board’s consistent investment in intellectual growth and writing culture across Nigerian universities.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, represented by Mr. Teleola Oyeleke, celebrated the top ten finalists for their impressive performance. He assured the audience that the Board will continue to invest in programmes that broaden the intellectual horizons of young Nigerians.The finalists represented institutions across Nigeria, from Baze University to Usmanu Danfodiyo University, reflecting the wide reach and credibility the competition has built over the years.
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