The 20th edition of the Bishop Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition for secondary school students in Nigeria has officially commenced. The competition, which began on Monday, March 17, 2025, will run until Friday, June 20, 2025.
According to a statement signed by Rev. Anthony Samuel of the Corporate Affairs Department, this year’s theme is “The Nigeria of Our Dreams: Today’s Reality and a Responsible Pathfinder.”
To participate, students must submit an essay of no more than 1,200 words, along with their full name, address, phone number, school name, class, and the principal’s contact information. Submissions should be in a Word document format and sent via email to essay@trem.org.
This year’s edition is particularly special, featuring increased prizes. The first-place winner will receive ₦1,000,000, a laptop, and a plaque, while their school will be awarded a desktop computer and a trophy. The second-place winner will receive ₦600,000, a laptop, and a plaque, with their school receiving a desktop computer. The third-place winner will be awarded ₦400,000, a laptop, and a plaque, and their school will also receive a desktop computer.
The competition, a key initiative of Dr. Mike Okonkwo’s Corporate Social Responsibility efforts, is aimed at fostering critical thinking and analytical skills among students. It also serves as part of the celebrations marking Dr. Okonkwo’s 80th birthday.
Dr. Mike Okonkwo, the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), is a renowned preacher, national leader, and advocate for balanced Christianity. In 2000, he launched the Mike Okonkwo Annual Lecture, a platform addressing critical national issues and influencing government policy. The essay competition was later introduced as an extension of this initiative, with both events culminating on the same day.
A recipient of Nigeria’s prestigious Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) award in 2012, Dr. Okonkwo continues to play a vital role in national development. He is married to Bishop Peace Okonkwo, and they are blessed with a daughter and son-in-law.