The 9th edition of the NCDMB Annual National Undergraduate Essay Competition ended on Friday at the Nigerian Content Tower in Yenagoa with 16-year-old Josephine Oyinkansola Akande of Obafemi Awolowo University emerging as the overall winner.

Akande, a 200-level medical student from Osun State, topped nine other finalists to claim the first prize of one million naira, an HP laptop, and other gifts. The first runner-up was 23-year-old Sonuga Sultan Opeyemi, a 200-level medical student of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, who received seven hundred thousand naira and an HP laptop. The second runner-up, Amarachi Precious Aguigwe, a 200-level computer science student of the University of Uyo, went home with five hundred thousand naira and an HP laptop.

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The remaining seven finalists also received HP laptops as consolation prizes. All ten finalists were presented with copies of Nigeria’s Local Content: A Journey of Strategic Communication and Economic Transformation, authored by Dr Obinna Ezeobi, General Manager of the NCDMB Corporate Communications Division.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr Felix Omatsola Ogbe, said the competition is designed to build local content awareness among undergraduates and reinforce the economic value of local participation in national development. He explained that the programme also promotes liberal arts education and strengthens the soft skills, analytical thinking, and problem-solving abilities needed in today’s digital economy.

Addressing the theme of the 2025 edition, Sustaining Local Content Policies in the Transitioning Oil and Gas Industry, he noted that the topic reflects global attention on energy transition and the need for Nigeria to craft strategies that safeguard its energy future. He commended Mahogany 21st Century Concepts Limited, the programme consultant, and the panel of judges for the transparent evaluation process. Ogbe was represented at the event by the Chief Supervisor for Government Relations, Mr Teddy Bai.

In his welcome address, Mr Eyinimi Omorozi, chief executive officer of Mahogany 21st Century Concepts, praised the NCDMB for sustaining the competition for nine years and thanked the judges for their professionalism. Professor Barclays Ayakoromo, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) of the University of Africa, Toru-Orua, who chaired the ceremony, applauded the Board’s commitment to nurturing writing skills and intellectual growth among university students.

Delivering the vote of thanks, Dr Ezeobi, represented by Mr Teleola Oyeleke, acknowledged the programme consultant for upholding the competition’s high standards. He congratulated the finalists, especially the top three, and reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to the programme’s long-term goals.

This year’s finalists included Abdullahi Abubakar Lawal of Baze University, God’s Glory Isaiah Iyah of the University of Uyo, Usman Mohammed Tahiru of Ahmadu Bello University, Lawal Imran Olayemi of Afe Babalola University, Khadijah O. Ogunleke and Maryam Hamzat of Usmanu Danfodio University, Amarachi Precious Aguigwe, Sonuga Sultan Opeyemi, Folayemi Halleluyah Idowu of OAU, and overall winner Josephine Akande.