The winners of the 2025 National Essay Competition have been announced, with Vincent Maduka emerging as the top winner, Loveson Anselm as first runner-up, and Ogunleye Ayomide as second runner-up.

The competition, sponsored by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), aimed to address the nation’s future through the lens of taxation and reforms, and attracted intense participation from young minds across Nigeria.

Held on Wednesday, November 26, in Abuja, the event, convened by Foluso Sylvanus Ojo, publisher of the Abuja City Journal, drew attention to critical issues facing the nation, including tax reforms and the role of youth in shaping the country’s future. Ojo, who initiated the event as a response to the underrepresentation of hardworking students in national celebrations, expressed the need to elevate students excelling in academia, especially in areas outside the entertainment industry.

“Our youth should be celebrated for their intellectual achievements. It was heartbreaking when a top graduate was awarded a paltry sum while entertainers were given millions,” Ojo explained.

He noted that this realisation led to the creation of the competition to support students with intellectual acumen. This year’s theme, Write the Future, encouraged participants to explore the role of tax reforms in shaping Nigeria’s economic landscape.

“We are writing towards the future because the topics discussed today, like tax policies, are about Nigeria’s development,” Ojo added. The focus on tax reform was a direct reflection of Nigeria’s evolving fiscal landscape, with the youth tasked with envisioning a prosperous future for the nation.

Loveson Anselm, one of the finalists and a medical student from the University of Jos, shared his excitement about being selected. “It’s a dream come true. I was in the middle of my professional exams when I saw the notice. I took the chance, researched deeply on tax reforms, and it paid off,” Anselm said, reflecting on his journey. He also acknowledged the misleading narratives around the government’s tax reforms, stating, “What I discovered through my research is that the tax reform’s intention is genuine. If fully implemented, it will positively impact Nigeria’s fiscal health.

“The FIRS played a significant role in the competition’s success, with Mohamed Adaya Salisu, the Chief Economic Advisor to the FIRS Chairman, emphasising the importance of educating Nigerian youth about tax administration.

“The future is bright. The FIRS is committed to funding education and human capital development, which are crucial for Nigeria’s growth,” Salisu noted. The event also featured a thought-provoking speech by Engineer Michael Oluwagbemi, who discussed Nigeria’s potential and challenges.

“Nigeria, with its young population, faces numerous challenges but also immense opportunities,” Oluwagbemi remarked, highlighting the nation’s growing influence on the African continent. As the event concluded, the finalists were urged to continue their education and remain engaged in nation-building, especially in areas such as tax reform. “Education is not a scam; it pays,” Anselm said, encouraging his peers to embrace critical thinking beyond social media rhetoric.