Ebonyi SWAN Honors Essay Winners with Prize Gift

In a commendable effort to promote youth engagement in sports journalism, the Ebonyi State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has awarded cash prizes to winners of its 2025 Essay Competition held as part of the annual SWAN Week in Abakaliki.

The competition, which drew impressive entries from secondary school students across Ebonyi State, aimed to harness young talents and foster critical thinking on the role of sports in societal development. Emerging top among the participants was Miss Okuh Deborah of Girls High School, Azuiyiokwu, Abakaliki, who received a ₦50,000 cash prize.

Her schoolmate, Miss Ukwa Amarachi, clinched the second spot with ₦30,000, while Master Maximus Orebe of Government Technical College, Abakaliki, came third, earning ₦20,000. Presenting the awards, Chairman of Ebonyi SWAN, Comrade Ndubuisi Nwogha, extolled the students for their originality, insight, and growing interest in sports journalism.

“These students not only impressed us with their writing prowess but also demonstrated a deep understanding of how education and sports development intersect. "It’s a call to action for young people to view sports not merely as physical activity, but as a platform for career growth and national impact,” he said. The SWAN Chairman further highlighted the support of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, applauding his administration's investment in grassroots sports development and the synergy it fosters between education and athletics in Ebonyi State. School administrators present at the ceremony, including Mrs. Osundu Chibuike Amaka, Vice Principal of Girls High School Azuiyiokwu, and Mr. Chukwu Obeni Chinyere of Government Technical College, commended Ebonyi SWAN for its dedication to youth empowerment. “This initiative will inspire more students to take sports journalism seriously,” said Mrs. Osundu. Mr. Eneh Dennis, a moral instructor at Government Technical College, also used the opportunity to urge the state government to revive inter-school sports competitions, noting their importance in curbing youth restiveness and fostering talent discovery. Award recipients, visibly excited, expressed gratitude to Ebonyi SWAN for recognizing their efforts and pledged to pursue careers in journalism and sports. “This recognition is a motivation to do more and aim higher,” said Miss Deborah, the overall winner. The 2025 Essay Competition represents a milestone in Ebonyi SWAN’s commitment to promoting sports literacy and youth development. Plans are already underway to expand the scope of the competition in future editions.