2023 Essay Competition Winners

Our 7^th Annual World Environment Day Essay Writing Competition afforded us the opportunity to key into the United Nation’s global campaign on proffering #SolutionstoPlasticPolution. With over 100 young Nigerians from various parts of Delta State taking part in this research-based contest, we have been able to once again engage the community to take responsibility and explore ways to address the environmental challenges bedeviling them.

Junior Secondary School students who wrote extensively on the topic for this year, “Toxic Effects of Plastic on Human Health in Nigeria” demonstrated a great understanding of the threat posed by the indiscriminate disposal of plastic wastes. Year after year, plastics continue to have a detrimental impact on human health and the environment. To address this scourge, it is crucial that every one of us shows commitment by taking concrete action in our various homes and communities.

We would like to express our profound gratitude to the panel of judges for their meticulous approach in ensuring that every entry received for this year was objectively assessed. Unfortunately, many of the top entries fell short during the plagiarism test and were immediately disqualified. We therefore want to use this medium to emphasize that originality is a key performance criterion in our essay competition. We appeal specially to teachers to enlighten their students on the proper ways to use and reference ideas derived from published works.

After an extensive assessment of all entries received for the 2023 edition of our World Environment Day Essay Writing Competition, our judges declared the following students as winners:

1st Position –              Adefolarin Dominic             (Mother of the Redeemer Catholic Sec. Sch, Effurun)

2nd Position –             Edemirukewan T. Praise                  (Nana Model College, Warri)

3rd Position –              Egede Uba Confidence                     (College of Edu. Demonstration Sec. Sch, Warri)

Dominic who lives in Effurun, lamented the indiscriminate disposal of plastic and other wastes in his community which often leaves the area smelling and unkept with drainages blocked. He identified recycling as the best approach towards managing the environmental and health problems plastics pose to human health. The First Place Winner went on to reiterate the message by renowned author, Amit Ray, that “a plastic pollution free world is not a choice but a commitment to life – a commitment to the next generation.” He therefore underscored that giving proper attention to the management of plastic wastes could see Nigeria toe the line of advanced countries of the world who generate wealth through waste management.

Praise on the other hand, highlighted various adverse effects the poor handling of plastic wastes could have on human health when buried or dumped in landfills. She believes implementing policies to restrict single-use plastics, and investing in alternative materials and technologies will go a long way in curbing the dangers posed by plastics.

Buttressing the same point, Confidence identified some health challenges that are prevalent in communities where plastic wastes are poorly managed. For her, the use of plastics in packaging of food products should be jettisoned because of the level of contamination that may occur exposing consumers to harmful conditions.

Based on the report from our panel of judges, the following students deserving of special recognition will receive the consolation prize awards:

Sakpaide Oghenerunor                   –           Mother of the Redeemer Catholic    Sec. Sch, Effurun

Obiora Blessing Chinaza                  –           Auntie Maria Schools, Effurun

Ihesinaulo Tochukwu Bryan           –           College of Education Demonstration Sec. Sch, Warri

Brinemugha Eyenemuere Ruth –                Mother of the Redeemer Catholic    Sec. Sch, Effurun

Chizaram Rita                                    –           Mother of the Redeemer Catholic    Sec. Sch, Effurun

Once again, we appreciate the over 100 students from across Delta State that submitted entries this year. As a matter of urgency, we implore them to continue being our environmental ambassadors in their respective communities by adopting sustainable habits and promoting eco­friendly practices.

In a special way we thank the principals and teachers of all the schools that took part in the competition for giving their students the needed guidance and support. We appeal for more to be done in ensuring that students are familiar with all the entry guidelines for this essay competition before making their submissions.

Prizes will be presented to winners at their respective schools on the day agreed with the school management.

Congratulations to our deserving winners!