Winners from the 81 Division Area of Responsibility have received cash prizes and commendations for their outstanding performances in the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Literary Competition 2026, with the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Abdulrahman Babalola, applauding their creativity, dedication, and academic excellence.
The beneficiaries include Ogunbona Faruq of Methodist Primary School, Ago-Oko, Abeokuta, who emerged First Position in the Primary School Essay category and received a cash prize of ₦500,000, Yekini Basirat Anioluwa of the same school, who secured Second Position in the Primary School Poetry category and received ₦250,000, Alvaro Osereme Aghenta of Glowfield International Secondary School, Lekki, Lagos, who placed Third in the Secondary School Art category, and Mishael Miracle Chidinma of Command Day Secondary School, Ojo, Lagos, who came Third in the Secondary School Essay category. Both secondary school winners received ₦150,000 each.
The prizes were presented at separate ceremonies held at Headquarters 81 Division, Lagos, and Headquarters 35 Artillery Brigade, Abeokuta. In Lagos, the Chief of Staff 81 Division Brigadier General MI Abdulkadir presented the cheques on behalf of the GOC, while the Commander 35 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier General FO Onu, represented by Colonel EG Yusuf, made the presentation in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Speaking through his representatives, Major General Babalola congratulated the winners and described their achievements as evidence of hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence. He noted that the COAS Literary Competition was established to encourage young Nigerians to showcase their literary and creative talents while promoting a deeper understanding of the Nigerian Army’s role in national security and development.
The GOC further stated that the initiative contributes to strengthening civil-military relations, fostering creativity and critical thinking among youths, and supporting educational development through constructive engagement with students across the country.
Delivering a vote of thanks on behalf of the beneficiaries, Miss Mishael Miracle Chidinma expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu NAM, for creating a platform that encourages young Nigerians to showcase their talents and perspectives. She also thanked the GOC for his continued efforts towards ensuring the security of lives and property across Lagos and Ogun States.
The events was attended by Staff Officers of Headquarters 81 Division and 35 Artillery Brigade, and culminated in the presentation of cheques and group photographs.
