The 2025 National Essay Competition has crowned its winners, with Vincent Maduka emerging as the top prize winner, Loveson Anselm as first runner-up, and Ogunleye Ayomide securing second runner-up.

Sponsored by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the competition aims to engage young Nigerians in shaping the nation’s future through thoughtful exploration of taxation and fiscal reforms. It drew enthusiastic participation from students across the country.

Held on Wednesday, November 26, in Abuja, the event was convened by Foluso Sylvanus Ojo, publisher of the Abuja City Journal. The competition spotlighted critical national issues, including tax reforms and the pivotal role of youth in nation-building.

Ojo, who initiated the competition to celebrate academic excellence, expressed concern about the disproportionate recognition given to entertainers over hardworking students. “Our youth should be celebrated for their intellectual achievements. It was disheartening when top graduates received paltry awards while entertainers earned millions,” he said. This concern inspired the creation of the essay competition as a platform to elevate outstanding students.

This year’s theme, “Write the Future,” encouraged participants to examine how tax reforms could shape Nigeria’s economic trajectory. Ojo remarked, “We are writing toward the future because topics like tax policies are directly tied to Nigeria’s development.”

Loveson Anselm, a medical student at the University of Jos and first runner-up, described the experience as transformative. “It’s a dream come true. Amid my professional exams, I researched tax reforms and discovered that the government’s initiatives, if fully implemented, could significantly benefit Nigeria’s fiscal health,” he said.

FIRS also played a key role in the event’s success. Mohamed Adaya Salisu, Chief Economic Advisor to the FIRS Chairman, highlighted the importance of educating Nigerian youth on taxation and fiscal responsibility. “The future is bright. FIRS is committed to funding education and human capital development, which are crucial for Nigeria’s growth,” Salisu noted.

The event featured a keynote address by Engineer Michael Oluwagbemi, who discussed Nigeria’s potential and challenges. “Nigeria, with its young population, faces numerous challenges but also immense opportunities,” he said, emphasizing the country’s growing influence across Africa.

As the competition concluded, participants were encouraged to continue pursuing education and contributing to nation-building, particularly in areas such as tax reform. “Education is not a scam; it pays,” Anselm urged, calling on young Nigerians to engage in critical thinking beyond social media narratives.