‘The Nigeria of my Future’: Open Door Series marks Independence with essay competition

1000 entries received from 28 states

PROMOTERS of The Open Door Series, a creative art platform, have announced an essay competition tagged “The Future Is Now” for young Nigerians in celebration of the country’s 60th anniversary. 
 
The competition, which is in two categories, is supported by Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).
 
In a statement signed by Executive Producer, Teju Kareem, the organisers said the contest is an avenue for young Nigerians to air their views on matters of nation building.
 
According to Kareem, the winner of the senior category will take home N250,000, while runner-up and third-place will receive N200,000 and N100,000 respectively. 
 
For the junior category, however, the winner gets N200,000 while second and third receive N150,000 and N100,000 each.
 
“The essay writing competition is meant to give young Nigerians the opportunity to use words to create the Nigeria they envision. This is in keeping with a key objective of The Open Door Series brand, which is to give the youth a voice at the table where national policy issues are discussed and decisions taken,” Kareem said.
 
Kareem added that NDIC’s support has encouraged participation of the youth and it has defined its civic responsibility to give voice to the youth. He stated that the youth, through the essay competition, have joined the conversation to shape the future they want for themselves.
 
“It also affords the youths a platform to articulate their observation on the situation in the country in the bid to proffer viable solution.
 
“NDIC believes the youth must be mentored, engaged and empowered. The support is a bold action to join in the celebration of Nigeria at 60. It is hoped that this will lead to a continuous training, mentoring and employment of the youths by discharging its corporate civic responsibility this independence festive period and beyond,” he added.
 
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), NDIC, Umaru Ibrahim, will announce results of the awards for 12 to 18 years category, while its Chairman, Mrs. Ronke Sokefun, will announce winners in the 18 years and above category. Submission of entries for the contest ended on September 21.
 
Kareem said over 1,000 essays were received from 28 states, adding that they have been collated by the team and handed over to the adjudicators.
 
“Our adjudication team is led by Dr. Razinat Mohammed, a lecturer at the English Department, University of Maiduguri. She has been head of Adjudication for The Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange Essay Competition (WSICE) for the past 10 years.” 
 
Other activities lined up include in the 30-day long series of activities for Nigeria@60: The Future is Now event also include painting competition and theatrical performances, encompassing a stage production of Brittle-ing Diamond, a play written by Ahmed Yerima, directed by Niji Akanni, and produced by Ayobamidele Aladekomo,
 
The event will end on October 1, when all competition results will be announced.
 
Brittle-ing Diamond performed by the Segun Adefila-led youth-focused group, Crown Troupe of Africa, reflects the sacrifice of military in Nigeria’s political trajectory, spotlighting its role in helping to sustain and consolidate democracy.
 
The Nigeria@60: The Future is Now project will promote youth inclusiveness in national discourse, as well as youth empowerment, entrepreneurship skill and “art for peace Initiative” training and empowerment in readiness to build “Nigeria: Future is Now.’’
 
The project is anchored on six women producers – Lilian Amah, overall producer; Razinat Talatu-Mohammed, associate producer adjudication; Ayobamidele Aladekomo, associate producer: Theatre ; Haneefat Ikharo, associate producer, Essay; Foluke Michael, associate producer painting for unity, and Lynda Amadi, associate Producer, marketing.