N1.7m Prizes Await in 2026 Mike Okonkwo Essay Contest

The 2026 Bishop Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition is set to open for entries from March 16 to June 30, 2026. This annual competition, organized by TREM International, encourages secondary school students across Nigeria to engage in intellectual discourse on the topic of "Democracy at the Crossroad: Electoral Credibility and Judicial Integrity for the Future of Nigeria." Participants must submit essays not exceeding 1,200 words, including personal details and school information.

The competition offers a total prize pool of N1.7 million, with the star prize of N800,000 awarded to the winner, alongside a laptop and a plaque. The winner's school will also receive a desktop computer and a plaque.

The first runner-up will receive N500,000, and the second runner-up will get N400,000, with similar rewards for their respective schools. Rev.

Anthony Samuel emphasized the competition's goal to develop writing skills and foster critical thinking among students.