The COAS Literary Competition celebrated academic excellence on Friday as the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, presented prizes to outstanding pupils who emerged winners in the Third Edition of the 2026 competition, reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s commitment to promoting education, patriotism and intellectual development among young Nigerians.

The award presentation took place at the Nigerian Army’s 4 Special Forces Command in Doma, Nasarawa State, where the Chief of Army Staff, represented by the Commander of the 4 Special Forces Command, Major General Olurotimi Awolo, described the competition as one of the key activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration scheduled for July 6.

Speaking at the ceremony, Major General Awolo explained that the COAS Literary Competition is organised annually for pupils and students in Army schools across Nigeria to encourage critical thinking, national consciousness and active participation in nation-building.

He said the competition, which features essay writing and poetry categories, provides young Nigerians with a platform to express their ideas on issues affecting the country, particularly security, peacebuilding and patriotism. According to him, the initiative has continued to inspire participants over the years to contribute meaningful perspectives on national development while strengthening their academic abilities.

Major General Awolo announced that three pupils of Command Children School, Doma, under the 4 Special Forces Command, distinguished themselves at the national level in the 2026 competition.

The winners include: Aminu Zayyanu, who secured second position in the Primary Essay Category and received a cash prize of ₦250,000. Bright Dorasimi, who finished third in the Primary Essay Category and received ₦100,000. Hope Emmanuel, who claimed third position in the Primary Poetry Category and also received ₦100,000.

Commending the pupils, Awolo said their achievements demonstrated the high academic standards maintained by the school.

“Today we are gathered here to celebrate Aminu, Bright and Hope, who have made this cantonment proud. They have done so well in the Chief of Army Staff Literary Competition for 2026, which is part of this year’s Nigerian Army Day celebrations.

“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.” Beyond the prizes presented by the Chief of Army Staff, the Commander announced an additional ₦100,000 reward for each of the three winners from the 4 Special Forces Command in recognition of their outstanding performance.

Head Leader of Command Children School, Doma, Hyacinth Vincent-Akuba, described the achievement as a testament to the commitment and dedication of both the pupils and their teachers. He explained that the literary competition commenced last year and concluded earlier this year before the winners were announced. According to him, the pupils distinguished themselves through discipline, hard work and a willingness to learn.

“The winners devoted time to their studies, listened to their teachers and then performed very well. With this victory achieved by our children, we are now known nationwide.” Vincent-Akuba also commended the teachers for investing their time, energy and resources in providing quality academic and moral instruction to the pupils.

He noted that this year’s competition was organised under the theme “The Nigerian Army: The People’s Army, Our Army,” which reflects the enduring partnership between the Nigerian Army and citizens. The school head further appreciated the Chief of Army Staff for creating a platform that allows children to express their views on important national issues while nurturing future leaders.

Speaking on behalf of the award recipients, Primary Four pupil Hope Emmanuel expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff for organising the competition and recognising their efforts. She described the award as a source of encouragement and pledged that the winners would remain committed to their studies.

“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.”

Hope also thanked the Commander of the 4 Special Forces Command for his continued support and encouragement, noting that his visits inspire pupils to work harder and aspire to successful careers. She further acknowledged the role of teachers and parents in their success.

“To our parents and everyone who encouraged us, we will continue to make you proud by the grace of God. Thank you all.”