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National Essay Competition 2025: Youth Leaders Champion Tax Reform and Nigeria’s Path Forward
The 2025 National Essay Competition has crowned its champions, with Vincent Maduka securing first place, followed by Loveson Anselm as the runner-up, and Ogunleye Ayomide taking third position.
Organized under the auspices of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), this prestigious contest invited young Nigerians nationwide to deliberate on the pivotal role of taxation and reform in shaping the country’s future economic trajectory.
On Wednesday, November 26, in Abuja, the event-spearheaded by Foluso Sylvanus Ojo, publisher of the Abuja City Journal-spotlighted pressing national concerns, particularly the transformative potential of tax reforms and the indispensable contribution of youth in nation-building.
Championing Academic Excellence Beyond Entertainment
Ojo initiated the competition to address the glaring imbalance in national recognition, where academic achievers often receive minimal acknowledgment compared to entertainers. “Our young intellectuals deserve celebration for their scholarly accomplishments. It was disheartening to see top graduates rewarded with mere token sums while entertainers received substantial financial accolades,” he remarked.
This insight inspired the creation of a platform that honors and supports students excelling in intellectual pursuits, especially in disciplines critical to Nigeria’s development.
“Write the Future”: A Call to Reimagine Nigeria’s Economic Landscape
The 2025 theme, Write the Future, challenged participants to critically analyze how tax reforms could serve as catalysts for Nigeria’s economic advancement. “Our discussions today are not just theoretical; they are blueprints for Nigeria’s progress,” Ojo emphasized.
Given Nigeria’s dynamic fiscal environment, the competition encouraged young minds to envision innovative tax policies that could foster sustainable growth and fiscal stability.
Voices from the Future: Insights from the Finalists
Loveson Anselm, a medical student at the University of Jos and one of the finalists, expressed his enthusiasm about the achievement. “Balancing professional exams and this competition was challenging, but diving deep into tax reform research was rewarding,” he shared.
He also addressed common misconceptions surrounding government tax initiatives, stating, “My research revealed that the reforms are well-intentioned and, if properly executed, could significantly enhance Nigeria’s fiscal health.”
FIRS’s Commitment to Youth Empowerment and Fiscal Education
Mohamed Adaya Salisu, Chief Economic Advisor to the FIRS Chairman, underscored the agency’s dedication to nurturing the next generation’s understanding of tax systems. “Investing in education and human capital is vital for Nigeria’s sustainable development, and FIRS is proud to support this mission,” Salisu affirmed.
Addressing Nigeria’s Challenges and Opportunities
Engineer Michael Oluwagbemi delivered a compelling keynote, highlighting Nigeria’s demographic advantage and the dual nature of its challenges and prospects. “With one of the youngest populations globally, Nigeria stands at a crossroads filled with both obstacles and immense potential to lead Africa’s economic resurgence,” he observed.
Inspiring Continued Engagement and Critical Thinking
As the event drew to a close, finalists were encouraged to persist in their educational journeys and actively participate in shaping Nigeria’s future, particularly through informed discourse on tax reform.
“Education is a powerful investment, not a scam,” Anselm urged his peers, advocating for thoughtful analysis beyond the noise of social media narratives.
With Nigeria’s youth increasingly taking center stage in policy discussions, initiatives like the National Essay Competition are vital in cultivating informed leaders ready to drive meaningful change.
