The Abia State chapter of the Labour Party has unveiled a statewide essay competition for secondary school and tertiary institution students, with total cash prizes of ₦2.8 million.

The initiative is designed to promote youth involvement in governance and public policy while providing young people with an opportunity to contribute ideas that can support the continued development of Abia State.

Speaking at the launch held on Thursday at the party's secretariat in Umuahia, the State Secretary of the Labour Party, Chuks Akamadu, described the competition as the first of its kind by the party's Abia chapter.

He said the programme reflects the party's commitment to promoting civic education, democratic values and responsible political participation among young people.

According to Akamadu, the competition is intended to encourage intellectual engagement and generate practical ideas and policy recommendations that could contribute to governance and development in the state.

“The competition aligns with the Labour Party's commitment to promoting equal opportunity, social justice, civic education, and responsible political participation.

“The exercise seeks to stimulate intellectual engagement among young Abians while generating practical ideas and policy recommendations that could contribute to governance and development.

“We are doing this because the Labour Party is a political party that is alive to its responsibilities in a democratic society. We are committed to educating citizens, promoting democratic values, and encouraging greater youth participation in the political process,” he said.

Akamadu announced that the essay topic is "The New Abia and Need for Consolidation." He explained that participants are expected to examine the achievements of Governor Alex Otti's administration and suggest ways to sustain the progress recorded so far.

He disclosed that the competition is divided into two categories.

For Category A, which is for secondary school students, the overall winner will receive ₦500,000, while the second and third-place winners will take home ₦300,000 and ₦250,000 respectively.

Under Category B for tertiary institution students, the first prize is ₦1 million, while the second and third prizes are ₦500,000 and ₦250,000 respectively.

Akamadu added that exceptional participants who do not finish among the top three will receive consolation prizes, while the schools attended by the prize winners will also be specially recognised.

He stated that essays must not exceed 1,500 words and should be submitted electronically to the party's official email address on or before July 17. The winners are expected to be honoured during a prize presentation ceremony scheduled for August 3.

The Labour Party secretary also commended Governor Alex Otti for what he described as the achievements of his administration over the past three years, noting that they inspired the competition.

“The future of Abia belongs to our young people. Through this competition, we are giving them a voice to contribute to the political and developmental conversation shaping our state,” he said.