The Omituntun Initiative in Diaspora (OID) proudly announces the launch of the Seyi Makinde Annual Essay Competition 2025, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to Governor Seyi Makinde’s vision for youth empowerment and inclusive development in Oyo State.

Essay Topics 
Participants are required to select one of the following thought-provoking topics:

1. Redefining the Future: The Role of Youth in Advancing Artificial Intelligence and Technological Innovation for Oyo State’s Development.

2. Reimagining Agriculture in Oyo State: Holistic Approaches to Advancing Climate-Smart Farming, Promoting Food Security, and Driving Progress Toward the SDGs.

3. From State to Nation to Globe: Catalysing a Sustainable Future through Visionary Leadership, Youth Innovation, and Civic Engagement.

4. Greening the Economy: Mobilising Community Action and Clean Energy Solutions for Environmental Sustainability in Oyo State.

Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for participation, candidates must meet the following requirements:

- Be a resident or indigene of Oyo State

- Be a student of any recognised institution in Nigeria

- Be between 18 and 35 years old

Prizes and Recognition
The competition offers substantial rewards to outstanding participants:

- First Prize– ₦1,000,000

- Second Prize – ₦500,000

- Third Prize – ₦250,000

In addition, the top 50 participants will receive:

- Sponsorship for Leadership Academy training
- A formal certificate of recognition* from *OID Global

Submission Guidelines
All entries must adhere strictly to the following formatting and documentation standards:

- Submit essays as Microsoft Word documents (.doc or.docx)

- Language: English

- Word count: 1,000 to 1,500 words (excluding references/bibliography)

- Font: Times New Roman, Size 12

- Line spacing: Double-spaced

- Include your full name, phone number, and email address

- Attach valid proof of student status and residency in Oyo State

- Only one essay submission is allowed per participant

- Send entries to: essay@omituntunindiaspora.org

- Submission Deadline: 11:59 PM, 15th October 2025

Late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances.

Judging Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated based on:

- Originality, creativity, and structure

- Understanding of the topic

- Depth of research

- Application of real-life examples, especially those referencing ongoing or completed projects in Oyo State

Participants are strongly advised to answer the selected question precisely and directly. The use of AI-generated content or plagiarism will result in automatic disqualification.

Final Notes
- Only the winners and top 50 participants will be notified and contacted.

- Winners’ names will be published on OID’s social media platforms and in national newspapers.

- This competition is a unique opportunity to contribute to the development discourse in Oyo State and gain national recognition.

For inquiries and submissions, contact:
essay@omituntunindiaspora.org