The Federal Inland Revenue Service has partnered with the Abuja City Journal to support the third edition of the National Essay Competition, a move the agency says reflects its commitment to education, youth development, and programmes that stimulate critical thinking.

The agency’s sponsorship provides a significant boost to the fast-growing national contest, which has garnered over 10,000 submissions from young Nigerians this year.

The competition, regarded as one of the country’s emerging platforms for nurturing young writers, will hold its grand finale on November 26 in Abuja, with 25 finalists selected from entries received across the country.

According to the organisers in a statement, the top three winners will receive N5m, N3m, and N2m, respectively, cash prizes designed to “reward academic excellence and motivate brilliant young Nigerians to sharpen their analytical and writing skills.”

ACJ’s Chief Executive and Publisher, Foluso Sylvanus Ojo, said the initiative was created to champion “integrity, discipline, and intellectual excellence” among young people. He added that the overwhelming number of entries demonstrates the “determination, curiosity, and creativity” that continue to define Nigeria’s youth.

This year’s finale will be hosted by popular comedian Kenny Blaq, who is expected to bring energy and humour to the event as finalists defend their essays before a panel of judges drawn from academia, the media, and the creative industries.

The organisers say his presence is intended to make the competition more engaging and memorable for participants and the audience. Beyond the prize ceremony, the event is being positioned as a national platform for talent discovery.

Finalists will have opportunities to connect with editors, writers, and mentors who can guide their development and help them gain broader recognition.

Organisers describe this year’s edition as the most competitive yet, underscoring the growing influence of the programme and its expanding relevance across the country’s intellectual landscape.