Army Chief Honors Winners of Literary Competition
Lieutenant General Waidi Shaib, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), awarded prizes to the top achievers in the 3rd COAS Literary Competition during a ceremony held at the Nigerian Army 4 Special Forces Headquarters in Doma, Nasarawa State. This initiative aims to foster educational and intellectual growth among young Nigerians.
Competition Highlights Engagement and National Consciousness
At the award ceremony, which took place on Friday, the COAS emphasized that the competition attracted participants from military academies across Nigeria and is part of the activities planned for this year’s Nigerian Army Day celebrations, set for July 6, 2026. Represented by Major General Olurotimi Awolo, the Commander of the 4th Special Forces, Shaib noted that the literary competition serves to enhance national consciousness and encourage youth participation in nation-building.
Emphasis on Essay and Poetry Categories
Major General Awolo stated that the competition included both essay and poetry categories and welcomed submissions from children and students affiliated with military academies nationwide. He explained that the platform has allowed participants to articulate their perspectives on vital national issues, particularly in areas such as security, patriotism, and peacebuilding.
Winners from Command Children School Doma
Awolo announced that three students from the Command Children School in Doma emerged as the winners of the 2026 COAS Literary Competition. Highlighting their accomplishments, he mentioned Mr. Aminu Zayanu, who secured second place in the elementary essay category and received a cash prize of ₦250,000. Ms. Bright Dolasimi and Ms. Hope Emmanuel came third in their respective categories, each winning ₦100,000.
Recognition of Academic Excellence
Today’s celebration revolves around honoring Aminu, Bright, and Hope for their impressive performances in the 2026 Chief of Army Staff Literary Competition, which coincides with this year’s Nigerian Army Day festivities. Awolo expressed pride in the achievements of these students, emphasizing that their success illustrates the strong academic standards of Doma Cantonment’s educational institutions.
Support for Winners from 4th Special Forces
In addition to the awards bestowed by the COAS, each winner will also receive ₦100,000 from the 4th Special Forces Headquarters as part of the celebration. The Principal of the Command Children School, Hyacinth Vincent-Akuba, explained that the competition, first launched last year, culminated in this year’s winners following rigorous preparation and study.
Gratitude from Award Recipients
Expressing her appreciation on behalf of the award recipients, Hope Emmanuel, a fourth-grade student, commended the COAS for organizing the competition. She pledged to continue her studies diligently, hoping to contribute positively to Nigeria’s growth and development. Hope also recognized the unwavering support of her teachers and parents, stating that their encouragement inspires her and her fellow students to strive for excellence.
