In furtherance of his commitment to fostering education, patroitism, and intellectual development among Nigerian Youths, The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has on Tuesday, 23 June 2026 presented award Prizes to outstanding winners of the Third Edition of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Literary Competition 2026.
Speaking during the awards prize giving ceremony, the COAS who was represented by the Commander Army Headquarters Garrison, Major General Maxwell Dangana stated that the literary competition was initiated as part of the Nigerian Army’s non-kinetic efforts aimed at promoting national consciousness, intellectual engagement and youth participation in nation-building. He added that the competition has continued to provide a veritable platform for young Nigerians to express their views on issues of national importance, particularly in the areas of security, patriotism and peacebuilding.
Maj Gen Dangana noted that the COAS Literary Award is an annual event and one of the series of activities to comomerate the Nigerian Army Day Celebration conducted across all Nigerian Army formations for the year 2026. The theme for this year’s COAS Literary Competition is “The Nigerian Army: The People’s Army, Our Army,” which reflected the enduring relationship between the Nigerian Army and the citizenry. He further highlighted that the quality of entries received from pupils, students and undergraduates across the federation was impressive and indicative of the immense intellectual potential resident in Nigerian youths.
While commending all participants for their contributions to the competition, he urged the award recipients to remain steadfast in their pursuit of academic excellence and to continue contributing positively to the development of the country.
In his welcome address, the Acting Director Garrison Education Services, Colonel Sagir Isa who was represented by Major Jame Ubi, stated that through the competition, the Nigerian Army continues to provide a platform for students across the country to express their thoughts, showcase their talents and contribute meaningfully to national discourse through essays, art, poetry and other literary works thereby strengthen the bond between the military and the civilian population, while encouraging young Nigerians to embrace the values of service, patriotism, unity, and national development.
He expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff for sustaining the initiative and for his unwavering support towards educational advancement and youth development. He further commended members of the organizing committee, judges and other stakeholders for ensuring a transparent and credible competition process.
The winners of the third edition of the COAS Literary Competition 2026, Primary Category, are as follows: Master Shuaibu Raiyan of NAFOWA Little Angels, Abuja emerged 3rd in Primary Art and won cash prize of ₦100,000.00. Miss Igbague Tinadoo Julia of Blooming Heritage School, Abuja came 2nd in Primary Art and won ₦250,000.00, while the winner in the Primary Category, Miss Angiating Paulina Iye, also of Blooming Heritage School, Abuja, won total cash of ₦500,000.00.
In the Secondary School Category, Adejo Godswill Emmanuel of Command Secondary School, Suleja came 3rd in Secondary School Poetry and won ₦150,000.00. Chinedu Fortune Onyekachi, also of Command Secondary School, Suleja, came 2nd in Secondary School Poetry and won ₦350,000.00. Adesina Olamidipupo Olayoriju emerged 1st in Secondary School Art, while Abidoye Oluwanifemi Elizabeth emerged 1st in Secondary School Essay. Both students are of NAOWA College, Abuja and won prize money of ₦700,000.00 each.
While giving the vote of thanks, the acting Director NAOWA College Abuja, Major Florence Enenche appreciated the COAS for institutionalizing the competition, describing it as a strategic investment in the education and moral development of Nigerian children. She emphasized that the initiative would continue to motivate students to pursue excellence in academics, leadership and discipline.
Highlights of the event include presentation of award prizes to winners across various categories and a group photographs.
