As part of its Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) initiatives to foster public trust and promote intellectual development among youths, the Nigerian Army has honoured winners of the 2025 Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Literary Competition in a grand ceremony held at the 81 Division Headquarters, Victoria Island, Lagos.
By Chimezie Godfrey
As part of its Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) initiatives to foster public trust and promote intellectual development among youths, the Nigerian Army has honoured winners of the 2025 Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Literary Competition in a grand ceremony held at the 81 Division Headquarters, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The event, which took place on June 26, 2025, forms part of activities marking the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2025 and was graced by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, who represented the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede NAM.
Addressing the gathering, Major General Mijinyawa commended the awardees for their exceptional literary skills and academic brilliance. He urged the students to remain focused, disciplined, and consistent in their pursuit of excellence.
”I congratulate these young minds for their brilliance and creative expression. This competition is designed not only to encourage literacy and critical thinking but also to foster positive civil-military relations through educational engagement,” he said.
The competition attracted entries from various schools within Lagos and Ogun states, which fall under the 81 Division’s Area of Responsibility. Winners received cash prizes for their outstanding submissions in both arts and essay categories.
In the Primary Arts category, Morenikeji Ebunoluwa Joshua of Federal College of Education Staff School, Osiele, Ogun State, clinched the first prize of ₦250,000. Edgar-Okoh Tehila Ozioma of Command Day Secondary School, Ikeja, Lagos, won the Secondary Essay category and received a ₦600,000 cheque.
Ofulue Ekene of Babington Macaulay Junior Secondary School, Ikorodu, Lagos, came second in the Secondary Essay category with a ₦250,000 prize, while Oluwadare Marvelous John of Treasure Home School, Ifo, Ogun State, placed third and received ₦100,000. In the Secondary Arts category, Alexis Agenhta of Square College, Lekki, Lagos, also emerged third with a ₦100,000 cash award.
Speaking on behalf of the parents, Mrs. Naomi Edgar-Okoh expressed deep gratitude to the Nigerian Army. “This initiative by the Army is not just encouraging academic excellence, but also inspiring a generation of young Nigerians to believe in themselves and their country,” she said.
In a related development, the 81 Division also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening border security through enhanced collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service.
During a courtesy visit to the Division Headquarters, Comptroller Muhammad Shuaibu, head of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, was received by Major General Mijinyawa. Both leaders emphasized the need for sustained synergy to combat smuggling and other cross-border crimes.
“The fight against smuggling is not for one agency alone. It requires collective effort, trust, and intelligence sharing,” said the GOC.
In response, Comptroller Shuaibu lauded the Nigerian Army for its continued support. “The role of the 81 Division in facilitating smooth Customs operations across our borders is invaluable. We look forward to deepening this partnership for national security and economic growth,” he said.
The visit concluded with the signing of the visitors’ register, exchange of souvenirs, and group photographs, symbolizing the growing partnership between the two institutions.