By Nkechi Eze
In a move to deepen civil-military relations and inspire educational excellence among Nigerian youths, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede NAM, has honoured outstanding students who emerged winners in the 2nd Edition of the COAS Literary Competition 2025. The ceremony was held on June 26, 2025, at the Headquarters of 81 Division Nigerian Army, Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, as part of activities commemorating the Nigerian Army’s 162nd Anniversary Day Celebration (NADCEL 2025).
In an official signed statement, Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations for 81 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, disclosed that the COAS was represented at the event by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa.
Delivering the COAS’ message, the GOC congratulated the award recipients for their academic brilliance and literary talents. He encouraged them to remain focused and disciplined in their pursuit of excellence. Major General Mijinyawa also acknowledged the indispensable role of parents and teachers in nurturing the character and academic potential of the students.
The competition drew participation from schools within the Division’s Area of Responsibility, which includes Lagos and Ogun States. Winners emerged from various categories after a rigorous evaluation of submitted entries.
Morenikeji Ebunoluwa Joshua of Federal College of Education Staff School, Osiele, Ogun State, took first place in the Primary Arts category, receiving a cash prize of ₦250,000. In the Secondary Essay category, Edgar-Okoh Tehila Ozioma of Command Day Secondary School, Ikeja, Lagos, clinched first prize with a ₦600,000 cash award. Ofulue Ekene of Babington Macaulay Junior Secondary School, Ikorodu, Lagos, came second in the same category with a ₦250,000 prize, while Oluwadare Marvelous John of Treasure Home School, Ifo, Ogun State, placed third and received ₦100,000.
In the Secondary Arts category, Alexis Agenhta of Square College, Lekki, Lagos, secured third place with a prize of ₦100,000. Cheques were presented to the winners during the ceremony.
Speaking on behalf of the parents, Mrs Naomi Edgar-Okoh expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff and the General Officer Commanding for initiating a platform that promotes intellectual development and recognizes academic excellence.
Meanwhile, in a related development, the GOC 81 Division reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to enhancing border security through strategic collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service. He made this known during a courtesy visit by Comptroller Muhammad Shuaibu, the Comptroller of Customs in charge of Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone “A.”
General Mijinyawa stressed the importance of sustained inter-agency cooperation in curbing smuggling and ensuring a secure environment conducive to economic growth. Comptroller Shuaibu, in his remarks, commended the Nigerian Army for its support and emphasized the critical role of 81 Division in facilitating Customs operations across the zone.
The visit concluded with the signing of the visitors’ book, exchange of souvenirs, and group photographs, symbolizing the unity and shared purpose between the two security agencies in securing Nigeria’s borders and fostering national development.
