First City Monument Bank (FCMB) celebrated the creativity and literary talents of young Nigerians at the grand finale of its National Essay and Drawing Competition, held in honour of Children’s Day on May 27, 2025.
In a statement released on Sunday, FCMB highlighted that the initiative is part of its broader commitment to education and youth development.
The competition provided a platform for holders of the FCMB Kids Account to express their imagination and intellectual abilities.
Nine children between the ages of three and 17 were awarded scholarships of up to ₦1.5 million for their exceptional entries. An additional 72 finalists received consolation prizes of ₦50,000 each, along with FCMB-branded souvenirs.
Ogbu Ikechukwu, a student from Nsukka, Enugu State, emerged winner in the essay category for the 13–17 age group. His thoughtful take on the topic, “How will you manage and utilise a birthday gift of ₦1 million responsibly?” earned him a ₦1.5 million scholarship. The first and second runners-up received ₦1 million and ₦750,000, respectively.
In the 6–12 age category, Eliezer Okuchemiya from Lagos claimed the top spot with his essay on “If you were a superhero with the power to save the world, how would you use your skills to help others?” He received a ₦1 million scholarship, while the second and third-place winners were awarded ₦750,000 and ₦500,000, respectively.
The drawing competition for children aged 3 to 5 saw Onwamaegbu Ifeadigo win with a vibrant painting of an Automated Teller Machine. She was awarded a ₦750,000 scholarship. The second and third-place winners received ₦500,000 and ₦250,000, respectively.
Adetunji Lamidi, FCMB’s Divisional Head of Personal Banking, emphasized the importance of encouraging young minds:
“We introduced this national competition to promote learning and provide a platform for children to express their ideas. The entries reflected deep awareness and original thought. By nurturing their creativity, we’re investing in future innovation and progress.”
He also highlighted the role of the FCMB Kids Account in building smart money habits early in life, noting its support for financial literacy, savings culture, and access to educational opportunities.
FCMB extended its gratitude to parents, teachers, and guardians for their dedication in guiding and supporting the children.
The event finale was filled with inspiration and excitement, as finalists showcased their essays and artwork, impressing both judges and guests. Many attendees commended FCMB for its ongoing investment in education and youth empowerment.
“As a strong advocate of education and future leadership, First City Monument Bank—part of FCMB Group Plc—believes in every child’s potential to contribute meaningfully to society. This competition reaffirms our commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth across communities,” the bank concluded.
