Joe Anatune Memorial Essay Writing Competition

b3 Heritage & Anambra Alliance celebrate winners of the 2024 Joe Anatune Memorial Essay Competition

The 2024 Joe Anatune Memorial Essay Competition (JAMEC) has successfully concluded, unveiling a new generation of talented young writers across Anambra State.

The competition, which saw about 1000 entries, was powered by b3 Heritage with support of Anambra Alliance and key education stakeholders.

“The Joe Anatune Memorial Essay Competition will remain a beacon of academic excellence and an opportunity for learners to contribute meaningfully to societal discourse,” declared Dennis Olise the competition coordinator, reaffirming the group's commitment to nurturing young talents through continuous engagement in educational programmes.

“We are proud to have supported this initiative and to see young Ndi Anambra showcase their intellectual capacity,” added Dr. Obioma Obikeze, a representative of Anambra Alliance. “This competition is just the beginning. We envision a platform where young thinkers and innovators can express themselves and develop solutions for the future,” he declared.

Beyond b3 Heritage and Anambra Alliance, the competition’s success was also made possible by the Anambra Ministry of Education, which officially endorsed the initiative, and the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, who lent her support through her foundation. The Post-Primary Schools Services Commission (PPSSC) and the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) played crucial roles in mobilizing schools and ensuring the quality of submissions.

The Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA) provided media visibility, while school administrators, zonal education officers, and teachers actively encouraged learners to participate. Their collective effort resulted in a highly competitive selection process, where learners were evaluated on originality, depth of research, and overall essay quality.

With the overwhelming success of the 2024 edition, plans are already underway to make the 2025 Joe Anatune Memorial Essay Competition even bigger and more impactful. Moving forward, b3 Heritage and Anambra Alliance are considering expanding the competition to reach more learners, integrating mentorship programmes, workshops, and scholarships as additional incentives for winners.

The top three winners in the secondary school category were: Eze Johnbosco Chinaza - St. Michael's Model Comprehensive Secondary School, Nimo, Njikoka LGA (79.3 points), 2nd prize winner was, Edochie Esther Chiagozie – Queen of the Rosary College, Onitsha, Onitsha North LGA (77.8 points) and 3rd prize winner: Uba Mmaduabushi – Goldseal Academy, Awka, Awka South LGA (76.8 points)

In the Primary School Category, the winners were: 1st prize winner, Nnabugwu Mmesomachukwu Divinefavour – Umuhu Migrant Farmers School, Ukpor (82.5 points), 2nd prize winner, Chigbata Sharon – Goldseal Academy, Awka (81 points), 3rd prize winner, Onyema Chisimdi – Eden Life Vocademics School, Okoti Odekpe (80 points)

The competition rewarded winners with cash prizes of N200,000, N150,000, and N100,000 in the secondary category, and N100,000, N50,000, and N30,000 in the primary category. Additionally, 10 students in each category received consolation prizes of N20,000 and N10,000 respectively.

Plans are already underway to make JAMEC 2025 even bigger. Organizers are calling for corporate sponsors, philanthropists, and education enthusiasts to join in shaping the future of young writers in Anambra.

Winners of the 2024 Joe Anatune Memorial Essay Competition Announced

The Joe Anatune Memorial Essay Competition (JAMEC) has unveiled its top winners for the 2024 edition.

Eze Johnbosco Chinaza of St. Michael's Model Comprehensive Secondary School, Njikoka, emerged as the overall winner with an impressive score of 79.3. His essay brilliantly explored the transformative role of technology in reshaping education while addressing its accompanying challenges.

Following closely, Edochie Esther Chiagozie of Queen of the Rosary College, Onitsha North, secured second place with 77.8 points, while Uba Mmaduabushi of Goldseal Academy, Awka South, earned third place with 76.8 points.

In the primary school category, Nnabugwu Mmesomachukwu Divinefavour of Umuhu Migrant Farmers School, Ukpor (Nnewi South LGA), emerged as the top winner with a total score of 82.5. Her insightful and creative essay earned her the coveted first prize.

Chigbata Sharon of Goldseal Academy, Awka (Awka South LGA), secured second place with a score of 81, while Onyema Chisimdi of Eden Life Vocademics School, Okoti Odekpe (Ogbaru LGA), placed third with a score of 80.

The top three winners in the secondary school category received cash prizes of N200,000, N150,000, and N100,000, respectively. In the primary school category, the first, second, and third-place winners received N100,000, N50,000, and N30,000, respectively. Additionally, 20 students in the secondary school category received N20,000 consolation prizes, while 20 primary school learners were awarded N10,000 each for their outstanding essays.

This inaugural edition of the competition saw participation from about 200 learners across various primary and secondary schools in Anambra State. The panel of judges commended the participants for their originality, research depth, and the quality of their essays. Evaluations were based on adherence to instructions, research quality, and overall scores.

Speaking at the award ceremony, Hon. Mrs. Ify Anatune, widow of the late Joe Anatune, congratulated all participants for their hard work and intellectual contributions. She expressed gratitude to schools, zonal education officers, and local communities for supporting their students in this inspiring journey.

She emphasized the importance of nurturing young talents and preparing them for leadership in a technology-driven world. She also spoke about her late husband's passion for education and expressed appreciation to His Excellency, Governor Chukwuma Soludo, for his encouragement and support. She further thanked Anambra Alliance, the Honorable Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, through her foundation, as well as the Anambra Ministry of Education, the Post-Primary Schools Services Commission (PPSSC), the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), the Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA), school administrators, and teachers for their support in making the event a success.

The Joe Anatune Memorial Essay Competition reflects b3 Heritage's commitment to empowering the youth of Anambra State. Plans are already underway for the 2025 edition, promising even greater opportunities for young writers.

Joe Anatune Memorial Essay Competition winners prize presentation holds tomorrow in Awka.

The much-anticipated Joe Anatune Memorial Essay Competition is set to celebrate the winners of its maiden edition at a grand award presentation ceremony tomorrow, Thursday, January 30, 2025, in Awka.

Organized by b3 Heritage with the support of Anambra Alliance, the competition aims to foster intellectual growth among young learners in Anambra, challenging them to engage with thought-provoking topics. Originally scheduled to run from October 27 to November 27, 2024, the competition was extended to December 27, 2024, due to overwhelming interest.

For this maiden edition, participants wrote on the following topics: Primary School Category: How Technology is Shaping Our Everyday Lives. Secondary School Category: The Impact of Technology on the Future of Education: Opportunities and Challenges

Prizes for the Secondary School Category include: 1st Prize: N200,000, 2nd Prize: N150,000, 3rd Prize: N100,000 with consolation prizes of N20,000 each for 20 outstanding entries. The primary school Category has 1st Prize: N100,000, 2nd Prize: N50,000, 3rd Prize: N30,000 and consolation prizes: N10,000 each for 10 outstanding entries.

This initiative was made possible through the financial support of Anambra Alliance, which contributed N1,480,000 to ensure its success. The competition also received endorsements from the Anambra State Ministry of Education, Post-Primary Schools Services Commission (PPSSC), and Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB). In addition, the Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh Foundation donated a trophy for the most outstanding entry, while the Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency provided billboard advertising space to further support the cause.

The award ceremony will bring together key education stakeholders to celebrate the brilliance and creativity of Anambra’s young minds while honouring the legacy of Joe Anatune—a visionary communication strategist and advocate for progressive change.

For more information, contact: [email protected]

Attention Joe Anatune Memorial Essay Competition Participants!
Please read this important update regarding the Prize Presentation Ceremony.

PRESS RELEASE

January 27, 2025

Winners of Joe Anatune Memorial Essay Competition to be honoured on Thursday, January 30, 2025

The organizers of the Joe Anatune Memorial Essay Competition are pleased to announce that the prize presentation ceremony for winners and a select number of consolation prize recipients will take place on Thursday, January 30, 2025.

This event will celebrate these outstanding young minds who participated in the competition, showcasing their creativity and thoughts on the topics in the primary and secondary schools categories.

We appreciate the enthusiasm and curiosity displayed by participants who have been reaching out to inquire about the results. Please be assured that all winners and selected consolation prize recipients are being contacted directly by the organizing team.

Messages have been sent to a majority of consolation prize recipients, requesting their bank account details for prize payment. If you have not been contacted, it means you were not selected this year. However, we commend everyone who participated and encourage you to continue developing your writing and critical thinking skills for future opportunities.

The competition received impressive response with entries from primary and secondary school learners across Anambra State. This year's event reaffirms our shared commitment to nurturing the talents of young people and honouring the legacy of Joe Anatune, a visionary leader and advocate for youth development.

We thank all participants, schools, teachers, parents, and supporters who made this competition a success.

For further inquiries, please contact:
Email: [email protected]
Powered by: B3 Heritage & Anambra Alliance and Rinadac Foundation NGO

Signed,
The Organizing Team

Press Release

Winners Emerge at Joe Anatune Memorial Essay Competition

The Joe Anatune Memorial Essay Competition (JAMEC) has reached an exciting milestone with the conclusion of the judging process and the emergence of winners across two categories: Primary and Secondary schools.

Dedicated to the memory of the late Joe Anatune, a media/marketing communications expert and Managing Director of the Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency, who passed away suddenly, the competition celebrates the creativity, critical thinking, and academic excellence of learners across Anambra State. The competition received impressive submissions, each essay reflecting the talent and intellectual depth of young learners who tackled thought-provoking topics on technology.

After a rigorous evaluation process by a distinguished panel of judges, the winners have been selected based on originality, clarity, creativity, and alignment with the competition’s topics.

The winners will be officially celebrated at a prize presentation ceremony scheduled to take place on January 30, 2025, in Awka, Anambra State. The event promises to be a momentous occasion, bringing together students, parents, teachers, education stakeholders, and other dignitaries to honor the outstanding achievements of these young talents.

Dennis Olise, Coordinator of the Competition, remarked: “This competition has once again highlighted the brilliance and resilience of Anambra’s youth. We are incredibly proud of all participants and look forward to celebrating the winners at the upcoming ceremony. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to nurturing the next generation of thinkers and leaders in Anambra State, which was so dear to the late Joe Anatune.”

The organizers extend their gratitude to the learners, teachers, parents, and guardians who contributed to the competition's success. Special appreciation goes to the Anambra Alliance (AA), the Anambra Ministry of Education, ANSAA, PPSSC, ASUBEB, and many well-meaning individuals and organizations for their support in bringing this initiative to life.

Stay tuned as we unveil the names of the winners at the grand ceremony and celebrate their achievements in style!

Entries Officially Closed for the Joe Anatune Memorial Essay Competition

The Joe Anatune Memorial Essay Competition has officially closed its call for entries as of December 27, 2024. The extended deadline proved successful, attracting more essays brimming with creativity, insight, and passion from talented primary and secondary school learners across Anambra State.

Reflecting on the submissions, Dennis Olise, Coordinator of the Competition, stated:
"This competition has highlighted the brilliance of Anambra’s young minds. We are thrilled by the ideas and perspectives they have shared and look forward to celebrating their achievements."

With entries now submitted, the next phase is the judging process. A distinguished panel of judges, including experienced educators and professionals, will rigorously evaluate each essay based on originality, clarity, creativity, and alignment with the competition’s topics. This process will ensure that only the most outstanding entries are shortlisted and that the winners truly deserve their recognition.

Winners will be announced in January 2025, followed by a prize presentation ceremony in Awka to honour their achievements.

The organizers extend their gratitude to the students who participated, the teachers who guided them, the parents and guardians who supported their efforts, and the education stakeholders who championed this initiative. Together, this competition has celebrated academic excellence and empowered the next generation of thinkers in Anambra State.

Stay tuned for updates as we move closer to recognizing and celebrating these remarkable young talents!

Inspiring the next generation of writers: The Joe Anatune Legacy

By: Dennis Olise

In an age dominated by emojis, instant messaging, and short social media posts, the art of writing is becoming a lost skill. Across classrooms, educators are observing a troubling trend: fewer learners are engaging in meaningful writing. In primary schools, only a handful of pupils can confidently put pen to paper, while essays from secondary school students often lack depth, research, and coherence.

This decline in writing skills raises important questions. Why are young people shying away from writing? What can we do to revive this critical skill? And why does it matter?

Writing is more than just an academic exercise; it is a tool for self-expression, critical thinking, and creativity. Yet many learners find it intimidating. Some feel unprepared because they haven’t been exposed to opportunities for creative or reflective writing. Others see writing as tedious or irrelevant in today’s fast-paced, digital world. These attitudes reflect a broader societal shift away from structured communication, where quick texts and fleeting thoughts have replaced thoughtful essays and letters.

This is where the Joe Anatune Memorial Essay Competition steps in. Established in honour of Joe Anatune, a prolific writer and advocate for the power of words, the competition aims to rekindle the joy of writing among young minds in Anambra State. Joe’s passion for writing began early. As a child, he excelled in essay competitions, winning accolades for his creativity and insight. Throughout his life, he used his pen as a force for positive change, inspiring those around him to think deeply and write boldly.

The competition reflects this legacy. It challenges learners to explore important issues through writing, with topics designed to spark curiosity and critical thought. This year’s themes focus on technology and its impact on society, encouraging learners to engage with their world and articulate their perspectives.

But the benefits of writing go beyond winning prizes. Writing helps learners develop critical thinking, organize their thoughts, and communicate effectively. It builds confidence, fosters creativity, and provides an outlet for self-expression. As Ernest Hemingway once said, “There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.” Writing may be demanding, but it is also deeply rewarding.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie reminds us that “To choose to write is to reject silence.” Writing empowers young minds to speak up, share their stories, and make their voices heard. This competition is not just about producing essays; it is about inspiring a generation to rediscover the transformative power of words.

The Joe Anatune Memorial Essay Competition has extended its deadline to December 27, 2024, giving learners more time to craft thoughtful and compelling essays. Participants stand a chance to win significant cash prizes, but more importantly, they gain the opportunity to explore their potential as writers.

This initiative calls on parents, teachers, education stakeholders and society at large to nurture the writing skills of young people. Encourage them to read widely, think critically, and write often. Remind them, as Chinua Achebe once said, “If you don’t like someone’s story, write your own.”

The competition is a reminder that writing is not just a skill but a gift. It shapes minds, tells stories, and inspires change. It is time for young minds to pick up their pens, embrace the challenge, and let their words illuminate the world. After all, the future belongs to those who dare to write it.

We've extended the opportunity for more entries. Anambra learners take the advantage!

Joe Anatune Memorial Essay Competition extended to December 27, 2024

Organizers of Joe Anatune Memorial Essay Competition are pleased to announce the extension of the competition deadline to December 27, 2024. This decision follows a request by the Anambra Ministry of Education and takes into account the upcoming termly examinations and Christmas holiday.

The competition aims to celebrate academic excellence and creativity among learners in Anambra State. Eligible learners are encouraged to submit their essays on the designated topic before the new deadline by email to: [email protected].

Commenting on the extension, Dennis Olise, Coordinator of the Competition, said: "We are committed to providing opportunities for learners to showcase their talents. This extension will ensure a seamless process and greater participation."

The competition will conclude in January 2025, with the award ceremony and prize presentation.

Joe Anatune Memorial Essay Competition is an initiative of b3 Heritage in collaboration with Anambra Alliance and Rinadac Foundation NGO to honour the legacy of Joe Anatune one of Anambra bright stars in the Nigerian marketing communications landscape whose light was extinguished when he suddenly died few weeks after his appointment as managing director, Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency by the government of his Excellency, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, Governor, Anambra state about two years ago.

Joe Anatune Memorial Essay Competition
Call for Entries – Launches October 27, 2024

The Joe Anatune Memorial Essay Competition proudly announces the formal launch of its 2024 edition. Starting today, October 27, 2024, entries are open! This annual competition celebrates the legacy of Joe Anatune, a visionary brand builder, by promoting academic excellence, critical thinking, creative writing, and intellectual curiosity among young learners.

Who Can Participate?
Learners from both private and public primary and secondary schools in Anambra State are invited to join and stand a chance to win exciting prizes including the prestigious Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh Foundation Trophy for the highest-scoring entry, Cash prizes and more

Competition Categories & Topics
Primary School (Primary 4 to 6 learners)
Topic: How Technology is Shaping Our Everyday Lives
Word Count: Up to 800 words

Secondary School (JSS 3 to SSS 3 learners)
Topic: The Impact of Technology on the Future of Education: Opportunities and Challenges
Word Count: Up to 1200 words

How to Participate
Submit your handwritten essays via email to: [email protected]

Deadline: November 27, 2024

"We are excited to launch this year's competition, honoring Joe's legacy while inspiring the next generation of leaders. We look forward to receiving remarkable essays from talented learners across Anambra State," says Dennis Olise, the competition coordinator.

For More Information, Contact:
Dennis: 07039853434, Okey: 07039367987, Chidi: 08033088811

The Joe Anatune Memorial Essay Competition is powered by Anambra Alliance, Rinadac Foundation NGO, and B3 Heritage, and endorsed by the Anambra Ministry of Education.