The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has honoured outstanding winners of the Third Edition of the COAS Literary Competition 2026, reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s commitment to promoting education and intellectual development among young Nigerians.
The award presentation took place on Friday at the Nigerian Army’s 4 Special Forces Command in Doma, Nasarawa State. The competition forms part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration scheduled for July 6 and brings together pupils and students from Army schools across the country.
Representing the Chief of Army Staff, the Commander of the 4 Special Forces Command, Major General Olurotimi Awolo, said the nationwide competition was designed to encourage national consciousness, intellectual engagement, and youth participation in nation-building. He explained that the annual contest featured essay and poetry categories for pupils and students attending Nigerian Army schools nationwide.
According to Awolo, the competition has consistently provided participants with an opportunity to express their views on issues affecting the country, particularly security, patriotism, and peacebuilding. He noted that this year’s COAS Literary Competition produced three national winners from the Command Children School, Doma.
Major General Awolo announced that Aminu Zayyanu secured second position in the Primary Essay Category and received a cash prize of ₦250,000. Bright Dorasimi finished third in the Primary Essay Category and received ₦100,000, while Hope Emmanuel claimed third position in the Primary Poetry Category with a ₦100,000 prize.
“We have Aminu Zayyanu who took second position in the Primary Essay Category and awarded a prize of N250,000. We also have Bright Dorasimi who took third position in the Primary Essay Category, and awarded a prize of N100,000, and Hope Emmanuel who took third position in the Primary Poetry Category and awarded a prize of N100,000.
“So, today we are gathered here to celebrate Aminu, Bright, and Hope, who have made this cantonment proud. And they have done so well in the Chief of Army Staff Literary Competition for 2026, which is part of the Nigerian Army Day celebrations for this year.
“For Aminu, Bright, and Hope to have excelled, not just in Nasarawa State alone, but in the whole country, then it just goes to show that we have a school in Doma Cantonment that can compete with any other school in the country.”
Awolo further announced that each of the three pupils would receive an additional ₦100,000 from the 4 Special Forces Command, Doma, in recognition of their achievements.
Head Leader of the Command Children School, Doma, Hyacinth Vincent-Akuba, said the competition began last year before concluding with the emergence of the winners earlier this year. He attributed the pupils’ success to discipline, commitment, and the dedication of their teachers, adding that the school’s national recognition reflected years of consistent academic effort.
Vincent-Akuba explained that the theme of this year’s COAS Literary Competition, “The Nigerian Army: The People’s Army, Our Army,” highlights the enduring relationship between the military and Nigerian citizens. Speaking on behalf of the winners, Primary Four pupil Hope Emmanuel thanked the Chief of Army Staff for creating the platform and encouraging young Nigerians to express their ideas.
“I want to on behalf of my fellow winners of the Chief of Army Staff Literary Competition, say thank you to the Chief of Army Staff for organising this competition. I am happy and proud to be one of the winners.
“I also thank the Commander, 4 Special Forces Command, for always honoring our invitations. Sir, your visit encourage us to study hard and do our best so that one day we will be like you. Especially knowing that you were once a student of Command School just like us.”
She also appreciated the teachers and parents for their guidance and support, promising that the winners would remain committed to their studies and continue striving to contribute positively to Nigeria’s future.
