In an inspiring display of commitment to educational development and youth empowerment, South African Airways (SAA) has recently announced the winners of its prestigious annual essay competitions, rewarding them with an all-expenses-paid trip to Johannesburg. The winners include the top three participants from the South African Airways Essay Competition (SAAEC 2022) aimed at secondary school students and the first-place laureate of the Tertiary Institutions Category of the National Travel Essay Competition (NTEC 2023).
The SAAEC 2022 witnessed fierce competition among secondary school students across the nation, with this year’s theme focusing on “Protecting Children from Illicit Drugs and Sexual Abuse”. Emerging victorious were Ngwaogu Ugochi of Abesan Senior High School, Ipaja, clinching the first position, followed by Aladetohun Enoch of St. Finbarr’s College, Akoka, Yaba, in second, and Oshimade Promise of Abiolu Comprehensive College, Igando, securing the third spot. Their essays were praised for their insightful analysis and innovative solutions to these pressing societal issues.
On the tertiary front, the NTEC 2023 centered on the critical issue of “Curbing the Trafficking of Illicit Drugs in Nigeria”, a topic of national concern that requires immediate and effective interventions. The competition aimed to harness the intellectual prowess of Nigeria’s university students to contribute to the ongoing discourse on drug trafficking challenges in the country.
The accolade of the first-place winner in this category underscores the importance of engaging young minds in the search for solutions to national and global challenges, fostering a sense of responsibility and awareness among the youth.
Mrs. Kemi Leke-Bamtefa, Country Manager for South African Airways, expressed her enthusiasm for the competitions and their outcomes, stating, “Our vision is to impact the lives of the younger generation and encourage them to become leaders and role models of the future.” She commended the winners for their exceptional work and urged them to continue being exemplary ambassadors of success and intellectual prowess.
The award ceremony was not just a celebration of academic excellence but also an affirmation of SAA’s dedication to fostering educational opportunities and encouraging a culture of critical thinking and problem-solving among the youth. The winners’ trip to Johannesburg is not only a reward but a unique opportunity for them to experience new cultures, expand their horizons, and gain invaluable insights that would further enrich their academic and personal development.
This initiative by South African Airways is a testament to the powerful role of corporate entities in supporting educational advancement and social change. By investing in the intellectual growth of the youth, SAA is contributing to the cultivation of a generation equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to tackle the challenges of the future.
As the winners embark on their journey to Johannesburg, they carry with them not only the pride of their achievement but also the hopes and expectations of their communities. They stand as beacons of hope, illustrating the potential of Nigerian youth to make significant contributions to society when given the opportunity and support.
The success of the SAAEC and NTEC competitions highlights the critical importance of providing platforms for young people to express their ideas and solutions to societal issues. It also underscores the need for continued investment in the education sector and in initiatives that empower the youth, who are, after all, the leaders of tomorrow.
As South African Airways continues to champion educational excellence and youth empowerment, its efforts serve as a call to action for other organizations to follow suit. By working together, it is possible to create a brighter future where every young person has the opportunity to achieve their full potential and contribute to the development of their country and the world at large.
