The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to youth development, creativity and educational excellence as winners from the 81 Division Area of Responsibility emerged in the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Literary Competition 2026.
The winners received cash prizes and commendations for their outstanding performances.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Abdulrahman Babalola, applauded the winners for their creativity, dedication and academic excellence, describing their achievements as a testament to hard work and perseverance.
Among the beneficiaries were Ogunbona Faruq of Methodist Primary School, Ago-Oko, Abeokuta, who emerged first in the Primary School Essay category and received a cash prize of ₦500,000. His schoolmate, Yekini Basirat Anioluwa, secured second position in the Primary School Poetry category and was awarded ₦250,000.
In the secondary school category, Alvaro Osereme Aghenta of Glowfield International Secondary School, Lekki, Lagos, came third in the Art category, while Mishael Miracle Chidinma of Command Day Secondary School, Ojo, Lagos, placed third in the Essay category. Both students received ₦150,000 each.
The prizes were presented during separate ceremonies held at the Headquarters 81 Division in Lagos and Headquarters 35 Artillery Brigade in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
At the Lagos ceremony, the Chief of Staff, 81 Division, Brigadier General MI Abdulkadir, presented the cheques on behalf of the GOC, while in Abeokuta, the Commander of the 35 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier General FO Onu, represented by Colonel EG Yusuf, performed the presentation.
Speaking through his representatives, Major General Babalola said 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 role in national security and national development.
He added that the initiative has continued to strengthen civil-military relations, promote creativity and critical thinking among youths and support educational development through constructive engagement with students across the country.
Delivering a vote of thanks on behalf of the beneficiaries, Miss Mishael Miracle Chidinma expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu NAM, for providing a platform that enables young Nigerians to showcase their talents and perspectives.
The event was attended by senior officers and staff of Headquarters 81 Division and 35 Artillery Brigade and culminated in the presentation of cheques and group photographs.