By Our Correspondent 

The stage is set for one of Nigeria’s most anticipated intellectual events of the year; the ACJ National Essay Competition, happening in just seven days at the prestigious Musa Yar’Adua Event Centre, Abuja.

Organized by the renowned Abuja City Journal (ACJ), an Abuja-based online platform and monthly magazine publication owned by Mr Ojo Sylvanus Foluso, the competition is already sparking excitement among participants and observers.

Designed to promote education and intellectual growth among young Nigerians, the initiative promises an enriching experience for all involved.

In a commendable show of support, ACJ has extended an open call to corporate giants like Unilever, Coca-Cola Nigeria, Nestlé, Zenith Bank, Jim Ovia Foundation, and First Bank to sponsor this impactful event.

Such partnerships could amplify the competition’s reach and ensure its sustainability in fostering creativity and critical thinking in the nation’s youth.

The ACJ National Essay Competition is more than a contest; it’s a celebration of ideas, innovation, and the boundless potential of young Nigerians.

With the countdown now officially underway, all eyes turn to Abuja for a showcase of talent, intellect, and the spirit of excellence.

By Emmanuel Ogbodo

Junior Secondary School Gurfata, located in Ibwa Ward, Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja, is facing a dire crisis as over 1,500 pupils are left stranded due to the school’s deteriorating infrastructure.

The civic technology group, MonITNg, raised concerns about the alarming state of the school on Saturday via its X handle.

The group highlighted structural failures, including leaking roofs and collapsing ceilings, and called for urgent government intervention.

“Here’s the current state of Junior Secondary School Gurfata, the only school in town, now on the brink of collapse.

“Poor living conditions have driven teachers away, leaving over 1,500 students without access to education.

“We urge @GovWike and Sen @IretiKingibe to take immediate action,” the group wrote.

MonITNg’s founder, Ilevbaoje Uadamen, condemned the neglect, urging government officials to prioritize education over less critical expenditures.

“Education is the foundation of any thriving society. Our government must invest in education, ensuring resources are channeled where they matter most,” Uadamen stated.

Junior Secondary School Gurfata, reportedly the only educational institution in the area, is emblematic of broader infrastructural challenges faced by schools across the Gwagwalada Area Council.

The lack of maintenance has forced teachers to abandon their roles, leaving students without adequate learning opportunities.

The Gwagwalada Area Council, established to drive rural development, is now facing criticism for failing to fulfill this mandate.

Advocacy groups are urging the Federal Capital Territory Secondary Education Board to act swiftly to rehabilitate the school and ensure continued access to education for the affected pupils.

This urgent call for intervention emphasizes the critical need for a sustainable plan to address the decay in educational infrastructure across rural Abuja communities.

By Our Correspondent 

In a bold move to drive awareness towards Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), as a cleaner, more sustainable energy option In Nigeria, Abuja City Journal (ACJ), a high flying magazine with focus on news around the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has announced the 2024 edition of its annual essay competition.

This year’s edition essay, according to the publisher of the Abuja-centric magazine cum electronic media, Foluso Silvanus Ojo, was designed to promote the gains inherent in the new government’s effort to provide CNG as alternative to the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), in the wake of the skyrocketing cost of the latter, following fuel subsidy removal on May 29, 2023.

This initiative, which targets 20 undergraduates in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, promises to be a transformative platform for young intellectuals to explore and contribute to the discourse on Nigeria’s energy future.

The competition aims to enhance the understanding and acceptance of CNG as a clean and sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum products.

With Nigeria’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and diversifying its energy resources, the essay competition aligns with the nation’s strategic vision of leveraging gas as a driver for economic growth and environmental sustainability.

Participants will not only gain critical insights into the energy sector but also compete for significant monetary prizes, positioning the initiative as a game-changer in youth engagement and policy advocacy.

The competition ensures transparency, inclusivity, and maximum impact. Contestants invited for the Grand Finale will engage in immersive activities designed to enrich their understanding of CNG’s practical applications.

These activities include visits to conversion centers, refueling stations, and the Pi-CNG headquarters.

Participants will have the rare opportunity to experience firsthand the transformative potential of CNG in Nigeria’s energy landscape.

To support their research and ensure optimal performance, contestants will have access to fully equipped facilities with uninterrupted power and Wi-Fi.

The culmination of this process will be a grand finale, where the top three essays will be announced and celebrated.

These winners will not only receive substantial monetary prizes but also enjoy free CNG conversions for their vehicles as part of the rewards, underscoring the practical benefits of embracing clean energy solutions.

The competition is a testament to the power of strategic collaboration, with ACJ and PCNGi working closely to promote the CNG initiative.

The organizers have called on stakeholders in the energy sector, including Mikano, CGI, Mono Energy, ABG, Kojo Motors, and others, to lend their support to this noble cause.

This year’s competition not only seeks to inspire young Nigerians but also to build a movement of advocates who will champion the adoption of CNG across the nation.

The Grand Finale, promising to be a melting pot of innovation, policy advocacy, and youthful creativity, the ACJ National Essay Competition on CNG is poised to be a defining moment in Nigeria’s journey towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.