Prince Ikim awards N850,000 to winners of AKSEPWMA holiday essay competition
• Prince Ikim (4th right) with winners of the essay competition
…sets to launch Waste Management Clubs in secondary schools
Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA), Prince Akpan Ikim, on Tuesday, presented a total of N850,000 in cash prizes to five winners of the agency’s holiday essay competition.
At the event, Miss Ememobong Sunday Udofia, a Senior Secondary Schoo (SSS) III student from Word of Faith International Schools in Uyo, claimed the first prize of N300,000. Emaediong Christopher Umoh, a Junior Secondary School (JSS) III student from Topfaith Legacy School, secured the second prize of N250,000.
The third prize of N100,000 went to Ndifreke Patrick Akpan, a Senior Secondary School III student from St. Paul’s Comprehensive School. Goodluck Duke Udoka from Federal Government College, Ikot Ekpene, took home the fourth prize of N100,000, while Favour Inionong Sunda, a Junior Secondary School student from Top Faith Legacy School, Ikot Ekpene, rounded out the winners with the fifth prize of N100,000.
In his address, Prince Ikim stated that the competition aligned with the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno’s administration, focusing on environmental sustainability under the theme: “Role of Citizens in Effective Waste Management.”
The AKSEPWMA Chairman noted that the competition was open to all students in Akwa Ibom State, regardless of their indigenous background, and that five students were ultimately selected as winners from numerous entries.
Ikim explained that the jury evaluated participants based on criteria such as content, originality, language and style, organizational structure, and overall scoring.
He emphasised that the essay competition was not solely about monetary rewards but aimed to foster knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to waste management among secondary school students.
He also announced plans to establish Waste Management Clubs in secondary schools across the state.
Additionally, Ikim revealed that the winner would have the unique opportunity to serve as the Chairman of AKSEPWMA during the environmental sanitation exercise scheduled for February 22, 2025, and would also be recognized as the Face of AKSEPWMA.
In her response, Ememobong Sunday Udofia expressed her gratitude, stating that the chance to excel was a rare opportunity.
She remarked that her victory in the competition would serve as a stepping stone to inspire her future aspirations and goals.
