OID Launches 2025 Seyi Makinde Essay Competition with N1m Top Prize

The Omituntun Initiative in Diaspora (OID) has officially announced the commencement of the Seyi Makinde Annual Essay Competition 2025, reaffirming its commitment to promoting youth empowerment and inclusive development in Oyo State through intellectual engagement.

It was gathered that the annual essay competition invites entries from students across Nigeria, either residents or indigene of Oyo State, aged between 18 and 35 years.

The initiative seeks to encourage critical thinking and innovation around governance, sustainability, leadership, and civic participation; core values that align with the developmental vision of Governor Makinde.

According to the organisers, this year’s competition allows participants to choose from four thought-provoking topics centered on technology, agriculture, environmental sustainability, and youth leadership.

Participants must explore how their ideas can contribute meaningfully to Oyo State’s ongoing transformation.

The four essay topics include: The topics include: The Role of Youth in Advancing Artificial Intelligence and Technological Innovation for Oyo State’s Development; Holistic Approaches to Advancing Climate-Smart Farming, Promoting Food Security, and Driving Progress Toward the SDGs; Catalysing a Sustainable Future through Visionary Leadership, Youth Innovation, and Civic Engagement; and Mobilising Community Action and Clean Energy Solutions for Environmental Sustainability in Oyo State.

The competition, open to undergraduates and postgraduates of recognised Nigerian institutions, comes with rewards.

The overall winner will take home a ₦1,000,000 cash prize, while the second and third-place winners will receive ₦500,000 and ₦250,000, respectively.

In addition, the top 50 outstanding participants will be sponsored to attend the prestigious OID Global Leadership Academy, each receiving a formal certificate of recognition.

Submissions are to be made in Microsoft Word format, in English, with a word count between 1,000 and 1,500 words.

Essays must be original, well-researched, and reference real-life projects or developments, particularly within Oyo State. Entries must also include valid proof of student status and residency.

The deadline for submissions to essay@omituntunindsapora.org is 11:59 PM on September 30, 2025.

Meanwhile, OID warns that any form of plagiarism or use of AI-generated content will result in immediate disqualification. The essays will be judged based on originality, depth of thought, clarity, and the relevance of proposed ideas to Oyo State’s context.

The Seyi Makinde Annual Essay Competition, according to the organisers, continues to serve as a platform for young people to contribute to policy thinking, showcase their creativity, and take active roles in shaping the future of their communities.

“Interested individuals are encouraged to follow OID’s official communication channels omituntunindiaspora.org/oid-gsm-essay-2025, for useful information,” the organisers added.