Jun 28, 2026

COAS Literary Competition 2026: GOC Hails Young Winners, Doubles Down on Youth Creativity

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

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Lagos/Abeokuta, Nigeria – June 28, 2026– In a heartening display of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to nurturing the next generation, winners of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Literary Competition 2026 from the 81 Division Area of Responsibility received cash prizes and heartfelt commendations this week.

The event underscored the military’s expanding role not just in national security, but in fostering education, creativity, and stronger civil-military bonds.

At separate ceremonies held at Headquarters 81 Division in Lagos and Headquarters 35 Artillery Brigade in Abeokuta, Ogun State, young talents were celebrated for their outstanding entries in essay, poetry, and art categories.

The prizes were presented on behalf of Major General Adebayo Abdulrahman Babalola, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, highlighting the Army’s proactive investment in youth development.

Standout Winners and Their Achievements

Among the honorees were primary school pupils from Methodist Primary School, Ago-Oko, Abeokuta:

Ogunbona Faruq clinched first position in the Primary School Essay category, earning a substantial ₦500,000 prize.
Yekini Basirat Anioluwa (also known as Yekini Basirat Anuoluwapo in some visuals) secured second position in the Primary School Poetry category, receiving ₦250,000.

In the secondary school categories:

Alvaro Osereme Aghenta of Glowfield International Secondary School, Lekki, Lagos, placed third in Secondary School Art.
Mishael Miracle Chidinma of Command Day Secondary School, Ojo, Lagos, earned third position in Secondary School Essay.

Both secondary winners received ₦150,000 each. Group photographs captured the joyful moments, with beaming students holding oversized ceremonial cheques alongside military officers and family members.

A Platform for Talent and National Pride

Speaking through representatives, Major General Babalola praised the winners’ “hard work, perseverance, and commitment to excellence.”

He emphasized that the COAS Literary Competition was designed to encourage young Nigerians to showcase their literary and creative talents while deepening their understanding of the Nigerian Army’s contributions to national security and development.

“The initiative contributes to strengthening civil-military relations, fostering creativity and critical thinking among youths, and supporting educational development through constructive engagement,” the GOC noted.

In Lagos, Chief of Staff 81 Division, Brigadier General MI Abdulkadir, presented the awards. In Abeokuta, Commander 35 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier General FO Onu (represented by Colonel EG Yusuf), oversaw the ceremony. Attendees included staff officers from both headquarters.

Delivering a vote of thanks on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mishael Miracle Chidinma expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for creating this platform.

She also thanked Major General Babalola for his ongoing efforts in securing lives and property in Lagos and Ogun States.

Broader Context: The Third Edition of COAS Literary Competitions

This recognition forms part of the third edition of the nationwide COAS Literary Competitions 2026, themed “The NA: The People’s Army, Our Army.”

Open to primary and secondary students as well as undergraduates, the competition invited entries from August 2025 through March 2026 across various categories aligned with age groups.

Similar award ceremonies have taken place in other divisions, such as in Kaduna, reflecting a concerted Army-wide push to inspire patriotism, intellectual growth, and creative expression among Nigeria’s youth.

Cash prizes at national levels have reached up to ₦700,000 for top performers, signaling significant investment.

Why This Matters: Nurturing Minds in Challenging Times

In a country where educational opportunities can vary widely and youth engagement remains a priority for stability, initiatives like this bridge gaps between the military and civilian communities.

By rewarding essay writing, poetry, and art that often explore themes of national service, resilience, and identity, the Army not only spotlights talent but plants seeds for a more informed and engaged citizenry.

For the young winners, the financial rewards provide tangible support—potentially funding further education or family needs—while the public recognition boosts confidence and opens doors.

Parents, teachers, and school communities share in the pride, as evidenced by their presence in the ceremonies.

As Nigeria grapples with security challenges and the imperative of human capital development, the Nigerian Army’s literary program stands out as a proactive, positive intervention—one that humanizes the institution and invests in the very future it protects.

The full impact will unfold as these young voices mature, potentially contributing fresh perspectives to national discourse.

For now, their success reminds us that creativity thrives when nurtured, even in unexpected places.