By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has celebrated literary excellence and youth creativity by honouring the South-East winners of the 2025 COAS Literary Competition. The prize-giving ceremony took place on Wednesday, June 26, 2025, at the Headquarters of 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu.
The competition, which is part of the Army’s ongoing civil-military cooperation and youth engagement efforts, was aimed at fostering creativity, promoting intellectual development, and nurturing the talents of young Nigerians across the country.
In an official signed statement, the Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 82 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni disclosed that representing the COAS at the event was the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division and Commander Joint Task Force (South-East), Operation UDOKA, Major General Oluyemi Thomas Olatoye. The GOC was ably represented by the Chief of Staff (COS), 82 Division, Brigadier General Usman Abubakar.
In his remarks, Brigadier General Abubakar conveyed the appreciation of the COAS to the participants and commended the winners for demonstrating outstanding literary skills. He praised their imagination, commitment, and contributions to national intellectual advancement through creative expression.
“You have not only shown brilliance in your writing but have also brought pride to your families, schools, and communities,” the GOC stated. “This initiative by the COAS reflects the Nigerian Army’s commitment to supporting the educational and creative aspirations of our young people.”
Five winners from the South-East emerged in various categories of the literary competition and were awarded cash prizes to recognize their achievements.
In the Tertiary Poetry Category, Ike Francis Ebubechukwu secured third place, earning a cash prize of ₦200,000.
In the Secondary Poetry Category, Somtochukwu Benedicta Aguyiobu clinched the first-place prize of ₦600,000, while Stephen Melody Amarachukwu came second with ₦250,000.
In the Primary Poetry Category, Nneoma Michelle Obi emerged as the second-place winner, receiving a prize of ₦100,000.
Speaking on behalf of the award recipients, Miss Somtochukwu Benedicta Aguyiobu expressed deep gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff for initiating the competition and providing a platform for young people to develop and showcase their talents. She also thanked the GOC and 82 Division for their support and hospitality during the event.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of cash prizes and commemorative photographs, marking a memorable occasion in celebration of youth excellence and creativity.
Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, affirmed that the Nigerian Army remains committed to initiatives that promote education, creativity, and positive engagement with communities across the country.
