Heirs Insurance rewards essay winners with N8m scholarships

The Heirs Insurance Group, on Tuesday, unveiled the three finalists of its annual nationwide essay competition in Abuja.

During the event, which was held at Transcorp Hotels in Abuja, the winners were awarded cheques: N5m for the overall prize, N2m for the first runner-up, and N1m for the second runner-up.

The winner, Hephzibah Chidi from Seacrest Preparatory in Rivers State, who secured first place and a Nm scholarship, captivated the judges with her essay and presentation titled “The Story of My Hero.”

In addition to her N5m scholarship, Hephzibah Chidi’s school, Seacrest Preparatory, was awarded a N1m grant to support an educational project.

The other winners include Pemisire Owolabi from Quest College in Oyo State, who won second place with a N2m scholarship, and Mariam Raheem from Isador Model School in Lagos State, who won third place with a N1m scholarship.

All winners received their awards in the presence of their parents, school representatives, and distinguished guests, including the Director General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, Charles Odii, and the event hosts: Niyi Onifade, MD/CEO of Heirs Life Assurance and the Group’s Sector Head; and Tony Aniemeke, MD/CEO of Heirs Insurance Brokers, among others.

Speaking, Managing Director of the group, Niyi Onifade, said, “This year’s Championship attracted nearly 5,000 participants from Junior Secondary Schools nationwide, all showcasing exceptional creativity and innovative ideas.

“At Heirs Insurance Group, we understand that education is not only a pathway to a better future but also a catalyst for financial empowerment. Through this Championship, we are nurturing young talent and bridging the financial literacy gap, fulfilling our purpose of improving lives and transforming Nigeria.”

Speaking further, Onifade praised the outstanding efforts of all participants, stating, “I am proud of the creativity and critical thinking displayed by our finalists, as well as every student who submitted an essay. These young minds are shaping the future of our country, and we are proud to support them.”

A distinguished panel of academic professionals, led by a Professor of English, rigorously evaluated each entry. The top 15 essays advanced to the next round of assessments, from which the top 3 finalists were chosen to compete in the grand finale. To ensure the highest standards of fairness and transparency, Deloitte & Touche was engaged as an independent Quality Assurer throughout the grading process, guaranteeing a fair evaluation for all participants.