By Emmanuel Oloniruha
A student, Ray Mukoro, on Monday in Abuja emerged winner of the maiden edition of the Nduka Obaigbena National Secondary School Essay Competition, with 70 per cent score.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that while Princewill Kaiser emerged second place with 68 per cent, Egarievwe Unique Efetobor was declared third place with 67 per cent.
The maiden edition of the competition held on Monday in Abuja, was in honour of July 14 birthday of Nduka Obaigbena, founding Chairman of ThisDay/Arise Group.
Prof. Biodun Adeniyi, Professor of Communications at Baze University and the competition judge, declaring the results commended the winners describing them as “the brightest hopes of Nigeria’s educational system and future of national thought leadership.”
He noted that 12 outstanding essays were shortlisted and carefully assessed on originality, insight, clarity, relevance, grammar, and reader engagement.
Adeniyi also commended sponsor of the 2025 maiden edition of the Obaigbena National Secondary School Essay Competition award, Frank Tietie’s commitment to youth development and intellectual engagement through sponsoring the competition.
“By championing this initiative, Tietie has provided a meaningful platform for young Nigerians to celebrate the legacy of a national icon while discovering the power of their voices.
“This competition stands not only as a tribute to the life and legacy of Prince Nduka Obaigbena but also as a clarion call to Nigerian youths to write, reason, and dream,” he said
In his lecture Dr Sam Amadi, Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought called for robust institutional control and management of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to harness its benefits while minimising potential risks.
In the lecture titled “The Quest for Truth and Integrity in Broadcasting in the Age of Artificial Intelligence”, Amadi emphasised the critical need to govern both human and artificial intelligence effectively.
“The discussion underscores the importance of balancing intelligence with its applications to prevent disasters caused by misuse,” he said.
Highlighting the role of government and society, Amadi stressed the necessity of preserving creativity and control in AI development.
He also advocated for deeper discussions around freedom of information and press freedom in the digital age.
According to Amadi, AI tools are transforming journalism by enabling real-time fact-checking and helping journalists verify claims more efficiently.
“AI tools allow for the immediate cross-checking of information, helping journalists to verify claims and contradictions more efficiently,” he explained.
However, he warned about the risk of losing nuanced writing and originality, pointing out a shift from traditional fact-based journalism to narrative-driven reporting where truth becomes more contested.
Frank Tietie, Executive Director of the Centre for Advanced Social and Economic Research (CASER), who fully funded the competition, explained that the initiative aimed to inspire young Nigerians to pursue careers in journalism and broadcasting, preserving human intelligence in the fields amid rising AI influence.
Tietie noted that the competition, initiated at Government College Ughelli, Obaigbena’s alma mater, also promoted constructive use of social media and deeper understanding of journalism’s impact.
He added that July 14, Obaigbena’s birthday, was a fitting occasion to celebrate his contributions to broadcasting.
The event was organised by CASER in partnership with the Abuja School of Political Thought.(NAN)