Miss Peace Akhibi, 20, has emerged winner of the 10th edition of the NYSC Essay Competition/National Symposium, organized by the Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN).
Akhibi, a corps member serving in Ogun State outwitted five other finalists during the grand finale on August 19, 2021, held at the Bible Guest House, Palmgrove, Lagos.
Tessy Onwudiwe, who is serving in Kwara State, emerged first runner-up while Gift Modekwe was second runner-up and Gbanger Shimasaan, David Hyacinth and Prosper Chukwuemeka came fourth, fifth and sixth respectively.
Over 100 corps members entered for the competition from which the six finalists were shortlisted for the grand finale.
The corps members who spoke on the theme of the competition: Social Justice: A pathway to sustainable Peace and Progress in Nigeria, unanimously called for equity and fairness in the country.
They tasked Nigerians, especially those in leadership positions to promote social justice without recourse to gender or ethnicity by giving merit its rightful place in the society.
The finalists urged the government to ensure that everybody’s fundamental human rights are respected, and that social justice is institutionalized in the country.
Chief Kaoli Olusanya, Chief Learning Officer, Kith and Kin International College, who chaired the event, challenged Nigerian youths to push themselves beyond their comfort zones as God has given them everything they need to succeed in this clime.
He urged the youths not to join complainers but engage in activities that will better their lots.
“Nigeria is a great country, but we must make it happen,” Chief Olusanya said.
Rev. Dr Timothy Banwo, President of the Society charged all Nigerians to be involved in tackling the challenges confronting the country, noting that the citizens can bring the change they desire.
Pastor Sanusi, General Secretary/CEO, the BSN, said Nigerians can together make the country a better place as it is usual to have challenges during developmental stages.
“The country can be better. It will be better,” he noted.
He called on Nigerian leaders to always do the right things because the country cannot progress if social justice is not given its rightful place.
Rev. Dr Fred Odutola, former General Secretary/CEO, the BSN, encouraged the youths not to allow anybody to look down on them.
He challenged them to leave their comfort zones and be the architects of their fortunes.