By Adedoyin Falolu
The Organisers Tosin Adesile Writing Essay Competition,(TAWEC) in partnership with The Press Club, Univeristy of Lagos has announced the winners of this debut essay writing competition and held prize giving day, on April 11, as part of effort to encourage creative writers.
Twenty three candidates, comprising of Akoka and Idi araba campus Students of the Univeristy of Lagos took part in the exercise, with the topic: 2023 Election and the future of Nigerian Democracy: Challenges and Prospects.
The first prize for the competition, in the sum of N30,000 was won by Miss Anthonia Ibrahim (Physiotherapy) with another addition 20,000 donated by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos Professor Obinna Chukwu making N50,000 in total while the second prize of N20,000 went to Nurudeen Ogundipe (Psychology) and the third prize of N10,000 was won by Miss Faith Edison, a student of Accountancy. In addition to the cash support by Sherif Lanre Akinpelu he also gave out Creative Writing Courses Coupon to all the Winners.
During the presentation of prizes to the winners, Professor Obinna Chukwu, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Management Services,Univeristy of Lagos in his office at the Senate Building applauded the concept.
Professor Chukwu interacted with the Winners and the Press Club who coordinated the competition saying that to whom much is giving,much is expected.
He challenged the winners and members of the press club to improve on their writing saying the organiser was known for his writing while in school and he has since taken it to another level upon graduation.
In addition,he commended the organisers for the initiative hoping this could get better year in,year out.
Entries to the competition, which were open to students of the University of Lagos, were received in March with the deadline set to 25th of same month.
Panel of judges
The panel of judges include:
Niyi Oyedeji; Former journalist, International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) and Graduate student, Swansea University, United Kingdom.
Mayowa Isiaq; President, The Press Club, University of Lagos.
Abdulafeez Olaitan; Vice President (Editorial), The Press Club, University of Lagos.
The entries were judged on the basis of content and relevance, structure and organization, language and style, and critical thinking and originality.
About the sponsor of the essay competition sponsor, Tosin Adesile is the founder and pioneer president of The Press Club, University of Lagos. The organisation prepared him for professional journalism and he is indeed grateful for the opportunity. He is editor-in-chief of thesparklightng.com and has won several awards, including Gateway News Update Outstanding Young Journalist in Ogun state.
The competition also received support from Akokites friends of the sponsor, Agbabiaje Olayinka, Akeem Owoeye,Faniran Segun and Sherif Lanre Akinpelu.