Intellectual Expression awards 6 Secondary and Tertiary Students as she hosted Cross River State Writing And Public Speaking Contest

The contest which is the maiden edition ran in two segments, the first segment a vigorous writing contest held on the 11th of June at the University of Calabar Secondary School while the second segment- a public speaking contest held on the 17th of June 2016. The event which is the first of its kind in Nigeria played host to over 20 reputable Secondary schools from Cross River State, over 40 participating students from the Tertiary Institutions and a huge turnout of youth and well-wishers in attendance.

The event kick started with the Nigerian national anthem and an opening prayer by Mr Justin Ukandi a distinguished representative from Bel International School. This was followed by opening remarks from the Director of Intellectual Expressions, Edet Ekpeyong who proposed the event to be a platform to grow Nigerian Youths in writing, public speaking and Creative thinking initiatives. After which notable dignitaries were introduced, which included Prince Micheal Nku Abuo (Special Assistant to the Governor of Cross River State on Student Affairs and Youth Mobilization), Dr Emmanuel Essien (Senior Registrar at Calabar Psychiatric Hospital), Kemi Aziz (Journalist and entrepreneur), Joseph Umera (Author of Why We Fail ), Ogbaji Akpet (Journalist) amongst other personalities.

Six finalists successfully emerged after the Public Speaking and Writing Competitors were merged. The six finalists who are listed below were duly awarded with certificates and cash prizes while lots of consolation prizes were awarded to the other contenders.

Winners from Secondary institutions include;

• First Position – Sarah Russel Uya of Blossem High School

Prize – Brand new laptop and two bestselling books

• Second Position – Eddie Bassey Otudor of Hope Waddell training institute

Prize – Brand New Tablet

• Third Position – Daniel C Okon of Hope Waddell training institute

Prize – Two Bestselling books and a consolation prize

While the winners from the Tertiary category include;

• First Position – Micheal Effa of University of Calabar

Prize – Thirty thousand naira, brand new tablet and two bestselling books

• Second position – Daniel Ubio of University of Calabar 

Prize – Ten Thousand Naira Cash Prize and two bestselling books

• Third Position Peace Uban of University of Calabar 

Prize Two bestselling books and a consolation prize.

The certificate of participation was given to all participating schools. The event ended with the Nigerian national anthem and snapshots on the red carpet.

Check out exclusive photos from the event below…