ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-First City Monument Bank, FCMB, recently celebrated the literary and artistic talents of Nigerian youth during the grand finale of its National Essay and Drawing Competition, organized in honour of Children’s Day on May 27, 2025.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the bank highlighted that the initiative underscores FCMB’s dedication to promoting education and youth empowerment by providing a platform for holders of the Bank’s Kids Account to demonstrate their creative abilities.
During the event, nine pupils and students, ranging in age from three to 17, received scholarships worth up to N1.5 million for their exceptional contributions.
Seventy-two other finalists were each given consolation prizes of N50,000, along with FCMB-branded memorabilia.
Ogbu Ikechukwu, a student from Nsukka in Enugu State, clinched the top spot in the essay competition for the 13 to 17 age group with his insightful response to the topic, “How will you manage and utilise a birthday gift of N1m responsibly?” He was awarded a scholarship of N1.5 million to further his education.
The first and second runners-up received N1 million and N750,000 respectively.
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In the essay category for children aged 6 to 12, participants tackled the topic, “If you were a superhero with the power to save the world, how would you use your skills to help others?” Eliezer Okuchemiya, a Lagos-based student, emerged winner and earned a N1 million scholarship.
The second and third-place recipients received N750,000 and N500,000 scholarships respectively.
For the drawing segment targeting children aged 3 to 5, Onwamaegbu Ifeadigo impressed judges with a vibrant illustration of an Automated Teller Machine, securing a N750,000 scholarship.
The second and third-place winners received N500,000 and N250,000 respectively.
Adetunji Lamidi, FCMB’s Divisional Head for Personal Banking, spoke on the significance of the initiative He said, “We introduced the national essay and drawing competition to encourage learning and give children a platform to express their ideas. Their entries showed strong awareness and original thinking. By supporting their potential, we’re investing in future innovation and progress.
“The FCMB Kids Account helps children build smart money habits early. It supports financial literacy, encourages saving, and creates access to scholarships and creative competitions. We commend all participants and encourage them to keep learning and growing.”
The bank also acknowledged the invaluable support of parents, teachers, and guardians in guiding and nurturing the children.
The grand finale was described as vibrant and inspirational, with finalists presenting their written and visual works, leaving judges and attendees deeply impressed.
The initiative was widely applauded for its contribution to youth development and educational advancement.
“As a strong advocate of education and the nurturing of future leaders, First City Monument Bank a member of FCMB Group Plc believes in every child’s potential to make a meaningful impact. The National Essay and Drawing Competition reinforces the Bank’s commitment to fostering inclusive and sustainable growth across communities,” the statement concluded.