COAS honors Southeast winners of 2025 literary competition with cash prizes 

By, Chinelo Kodilichukwu Enugu 

In a vibrant celebration of creativity and literary excellence, the Chief of Army Staff  Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has honoured the South-East winners of the 2025 COAS’ Literary Competition with cash prizes.

In a statement sent by the Acting Deputy Director Army public relations 82 divisions Nigerian Army Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni said that the prize-giving ceremony which was held on 26 June 2025, at Headquarters of 82 Division Nigerian Army, was aimed to promote creativity and intellectual engagement among young Nigerians.

The competition which has three categories, has 5 students from the South East that emerged as winners, first runner-up, and second runner-up,

Representing the COAS at the event, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Oluyemi Thomas Olatoye, Commended the awardees for their imagination and dedication 

He praised the young Nigerians for embracing literary expression and making significant contributions to national intellectual growth. 

The GOC 82 Division Nigerian Army Major General Oluyemi Olatoye represented by the Chief of Staff (COS) 82 Division Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Usman Abubakar said that the feat achieved shows that the students as well as their teachers/ lecturers are doing a good job.

According to him, this also goes a long way to show that we have potential and future human resources within the country. You should not stop here, you must exploit further by being obedient and focused on your studies”.

He further congratulated them for making their parents proud, urging them to keep up the good work.

Miss Somtochukwu Benedicta, who spoke on behalf of all recipients, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the COAS for creating a platform to spotlight young talents. 

She also extended gratitude to the GOC and 82 Division for the warm hospitality.

The competition of the second edition included essay competition, art competition and poetry competition.

The event was concluded with prize presentations and a series of group photographs that captured the joyous moments.