Seyi Makinde Annual Essay Competition 2025

The Omituntun Initiative in Diaspora (OID) proudly announces the launch of the Seyi Makinde Annual Essay Competition 2025, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to Governor Seyi Makinde’s vision for youth empowerment and inclusive development in Oyo State.

Research Topics

Participants must choose one of the following engaging and thought provoking topics to write on:

1. Shaping Tomorrow: The Role of Young People in Driving Artificial Intelligence and Technological Innovation for Oyo State’s Growth.
2. Transforming Agriculture: Integrated Approaches to Advancing Climate-Smart Farming, Strengthening Food Security, and Accelerating Progress Toward the SDGs in Oyo State.
3. From Local to Global: Building a Sustainable Future through Visionary Leadership, Youth-Driven Innovation, and Active Civic Participation.
4. Sustaining the Environment: Harnessing Community Action and Clean Energy Solutions to Drive a Green Economy in Oyo State.

Application Requirements:

To be eligible for participation, applicants are required to fulfill the following conditions:

• Must be a resident or an indigene of Oyo State.
• Must be enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Nigeria.
• Must be within the age range of 18 to 35 years.

Prizes and Awards

Winners of the competition will receive impressive cash prizes, with the first-place winner earning ₦1,000,000, the second-place winner receiving ₦500,000, and the third-place winner awarded ₦250,000.

Additionally, the top 50 participants will receive sponsorship to attend Leadership Academy training, along with a formal certificate of recognition from OID Global.

Guidelines for Submitting Your Entry

1. Essays must be submitted as Microsoft Word documents (.doc or .docx).
2. All submissions should be written in English.
3. Word count should range between 1,000 and 1,500 words, excluding references and bibliography.
4. Use Times New Roman, font size 12.
5. The document should be double-spaced.
6. Include your full name, phone number, and email address in the submission.
7. Attach valid proof of student status and residency in Oyo State.
8. Only one essay may be submitted per participant.
9. Send completed entries to essay@omituntunindiaspora.org.

Criteria for Assessment

Entries will be assessed according to the following criteria:

Submissions will be evaluated based on originality, creativity, and overall structure, as well as the applicant’s understanding of the topic and the depth of their research. The effective use of real-life examples, particularly those referencing ongoing or completed projects in Oyo State, will also be considered. Participants are strongly encouraged to address their chosen question clearly and directly, and any use of AI-generated content or plagiarism will lead to automatic disqualification.

Important Reminders

Only the winners and the top 50 participants will be contacted directly, with winners’ names also announced on OID’s social media platforms and featured in national newspapers. This competition offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the development discourse in Oyo State while gaining national recognition.

Application Deadline

15th October 2025, 11:59 PM

Submissions received after the deadline will not be accepted under any circumstances.

For further information and submissions, kindly contact:

essay@omituntunindiaspora.org