Winners of Mike Okonkwo essay competition get prizes

Two secondary school pupils who emerged winners of the 2023 Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition have been rewarded with cash prizes, plaques and trophies.

The prizes were presented to Destiny Ike of Vik International School, Akere, Alagbado, Ogun State, who came first, and Chibuzor Alexander of Archbishop Heerey Technical College, Ogidi, Anambra State, the first runner-up, at the 22nd Mike Okonkwo Annual Lecture held at the Muson Centre, Lagos.

Ike won a cash prize of N500,000, a plaque and trophy, while Alexander, who came second, went home with a cheque of N250, 000 and a plaque.

Officials of the two secondary schools were presented with Computer sets for the outstanding performance of their students in the competition.

Giving the Chief Examiner’s report, Dr Patrick Oloko, who represented Prof Akachi Ezeigbo of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), expressed concern over increased cases of plagiarism among students.

Oloko disclosed that some of the pupils, at the early stage of the competition, copied from the Internet and were disqualified.

He said the two winners were found to be credible and devoid of external external influence or support of any kind.

He commended Bishop Okonkwo for initiating the competition to produce future writers and also help young pupils to know about current topical issues.

The guest speaker, Chief Mike Ozekhome lauded Bishop Mike Okonkwo for sponsoring the competition and his support for the sector over the years.