Telecoms provider, 9mobile, has partnered with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Education Secretariat to host an essay competition for senior secondary schools students nationwide, beginning with Abuja. 
   
The firm, which announced call for entries at a virtual media conference, said it is riding on United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organiation’s (UNESCO) yearly International Literacy Day.
 
On the rationale behind the initiative, Executive Director, Regulatory and Corporate Affairs, 9mobile, Abdulrahman Ado, reiterated the company’s commitment in strengthening the nation’s education sector.
 
Represented by the Public Relations Lead, Chineze Amanfo, the ED said the firm understands that young people are the bedrock of change, hence it is imperative to support them when it comes to cultivating values that promote environmental sustainability. 

He stressed that these values would shape their behaviours to engender a better society, adding that this year’s contest is exclusive for senior secondary school students in Abuja.
 
Ado said 9mobile has carefully constituted a panel of judges peopled by professionals with impeccable track records to evaluate the entries.
   
According to the official, the competition, which has as its theme: “How is overpopulation becoming a global pandemic to the environment?” will focus on environment and sustainability awareness.  He added that deadline for submission of entries is September 22, 2022.
 
The Director of Administration and Finance, Education Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory, Leramoh Abdulrazaq, representing the Secretary for Education, Sani Dahir El-katuzu, lauded 9mobile for the initiative, pledging support for the success of the contest. 
 
He underscored the importance of improving the writing skills of students and urged other brands to emulate the gesture.
 
A member of the panel of judges, Johnson Abbaly, who spoke on behalf of others, said: “We have been fully briefed, and we will justify the confidence reposed in us by doing a thorough job that will be seen by all to be transparent and fair.”