Theme: Celebrating Diversity, Connecting Cultures, Creating Tomorrow

Introduction

As part of the I Believe Carnival Abuja 2025, we are organizing an essay competition for secondary school students to encourage critical thinking, creativity, and awareness of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. This initiative provides students with a platform to express their thoughts on culture, tourism, and the role of young people in shaping the future.

Objectives

• To promote cultural awareness and tourism among students.
• To encourage students to research and write about Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage.
• To develop students’ creative writing and analytical skills.
• To inspire young minds to take an interest in storytelling and cultural preservation.

Eligibility

• Open to students from various secondary schools in the FCT.
• Each school can submit a maximum of three entries.
• Essays must be original, written in English, and free from plagiarism.

Essay Guidelines

• Word Count: 800 – 1,200 words.
• Font and Spacing: Times New Roman, 12pt, double-spaced.
• Submission Format: Typed and submitted via email.
• Deadline: [To be decided]

Essay Topics(Participants Can Choose One)

• The Role of Culture in National Unity and Development.
• How Tourism Can Shape Nigeria’s Future Economy.
• My Vision for a Culturally Vibrant and Sustainable Nigeria.

Judging Criteria

• Relevance to the Theme: Alignment with the topic and theme.
• Originality and Creativity: Unique perspectives and storytelling.
• Clarity and Coherence: Logical flow and organization of ideas.
• Grammar and Language Use: Proper sentence structure, spelling, and vocabulary.

Selection and Awards

• Judging Panel: Experts in literature, culture, and tourism.
• Finalists: Top 10 essays will be shortlisted.
• Winners: Top 3 winners will be selected and awarded prizes.

Prizes and Recognition

• 1st Place: Trophy, ₦100,000, certificate, and essay publication.
• 2nd Place: ₦50,000, certificate, and essay publication.
• Consolation Prizes: Certificates for the top 10 finalists.

Announcement and Award Ceremony

• Winners will be announced at the I Believe Carnival Abuja 2025 closing ceremony.
• Winning essays will be published on the I Believe Carnival Abuja website and social media platforms.

ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY: PRE, DURING, AND POST COMPETITION ACTIVITIES

Pre-Competition Activities (Outreach and Promotion)

• Schools Engagement: Official letters and emails to schools within FCT through education boards and school administrators.
• Orientation Sessions: Virtual or physical briefing for teachers and students on competition guidelines.
• Media Awareness: Promotion via radio, newspapers, and social media platforms to create buzz.
• Ambassador Engagement: Notable personalities in education and culture will be enlisted as competition ambassadors to encourage participation.
• Registration Drive: Dedicated online and offline channels for schools to register participants.

During Competition Activities

• Monitoring and Support: Schools will have a dedicated contact person to provide assistance.
• Student Motivation: Sharing essay-writing tips and inspirational messages from previous winners.
• Social Media Engagement: Schools and students will be encouraged to share their participation experience online with hashtags (IBelieveEssay2025).

Post-Competition Activities (Recognition and Impact)

• Publication of Essays: Top essays featured on the I Believe Carnival website, magazines, and partner publications.
• School Recognition: Participating schools will receive appreciation certificates.
• Alumni Network: Winners and finalists will be invited to an exclusive mentorship program linking them with tourism and cultural leaders.
• Follow-up Activities: Organizing storytelling workshops or cultural exchange programs for students to deepen their engagement with the themes.

Why Schools Will Be Excited To Participate

• Academic Recognition: Provides students with a prestigious competition that enhances their portfolios.
• School Visibility: Participating schools will gain recognition in media and at the Abuja I Believe Carnival.
• Student Growth: Encourages research, critical thinking, and public speaking skills.
• Cultural Exposure: Engages students with Nigerian heritage, making learning interactive and fun.
• Networking Opportunities: Winners get mentorship from tourism and cultural industry leaders.