CYON Essay Competition

Since “Japa” is the new language in Nigeria, especially at this time and season.

Let me ask, do you think that’s a long-lasting solution for any Nigerian youth who wants to thrive?

If you can articulate your thoughts on paper, there’s a chance for you to be N50,000 richer while at it.

The Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria (CYON), Archdiocese of Lagos presents their 5th Essay Competition where you get a chance to express yourself on the topic

“Japa or stay: thriving in Nigeria as a 21st century youth”.

Benefits

For successful applicants, cash prizes to be won are:

• Winner: N50,000
• First runner-up: N30,000
• Second runner-up: N20,000

Eligibility for CYON Essay Competition

To participate in the competition,

• You must be a practicing catholic Youth
• You must also be between the ages of 15-35 years.

Essay Instructions

Kindly find the dos and don’ts of the competition below:

– Your full name and details must be clearly stated in the essay.

– The essay must be written in Microsoft Word format, not in PDF.

– The essay must not be more than 2000 words.

– Font type must be Times New Roman, size 12.

You are to submit your essay to cyonadclagos@gmail.com.

Application Deadline

Please note that all entries must be received on or before 8th April, 2025.

You can also contact CYON for more information concerning the competition via the email address provided.

Please note that all entries submitted to Race Magazine are the property of the magazine and can be used for publication when in need.

Wishing you success in your submission, cheers.

HOW TO DEVELOP A GOOD ESSAY WRITING SKILL

Developing good essay writing skills requires practice, patience, and dedication. Here are some tips to help you improve your essay writing:

1. Read extensively:

Reading extensively will expose you to different writing styles, topics, and ideas. This will help you develop your own writing style and expand your vocabulary.

2. Understand the Prompt:

Before you start writing, make sure you understand the prompt and the requirements of the essay. Take time to analyze the prompt and identify key words and phrases that will guide your writing.

3. Develop a Clear Thesis Statement:

A thesis statement is the central argument of your essay. It should be clear, concise, and specific. Make sure your thesis statement addresses the prompt and sets the tone for your essay.

4. Plan Your Essay:

Before you start writing, create an outline of your essay. This will help you organize your thoughts and ensure that your essay flows logically.

5. Use Strong Vocabulary:

Use strong vocabulary to make your writing more interesting and engaging. Avoid repetitive words and phrases.

6. Use Evidence to Support Your Arguments:

Use evidence to support your thesis and develop your argument. Use examples, statistics, and quotations to illustrate your points.

7. Write Clear and Concise Sentences:

Use clear and concise sentences to convey your ideas. Avoid using long and complicated sentences that may confuse your reader.

8. Use Transitions:

Use transitions to connect your ideas and create a smooth flow in your essay.

9. Edit and Proofread:

After you have finished writing, take time to edit and proofread your essay. Look for spelling and grammatical errors, and make sure your essay is well-organized and flows logically.

10. Practice:

Practice writing essays on different topics to improve your writing skills. Get feedback from others and make changes to your writing based on the feedback.

Overall, developing good essay writing skills requires dedication and practice. With these tips, you can improve your essay writing and communicate your ideas more effectively.

FAQs

What is the CYON Essay Competition?

The CYON Essay Competition is an annual contest organized by the Christian Youth Organization of Nigeria (CYON) to encourage young people to express their thoughts, creativity, and perspectives on selected themes. It provides participants an opportunity to develop their writing skills and engage with topics of social, cultural, or religious importance.

Who is eligible to participate in the CYON Essay Competition?

The competition is open to students across secondary and tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Participants must meet age and educational requirements specified in the competition guidelines, and each entrant is typically allowed to submit only one essay per competition cycle.

What are the submission guidelines for the CYON Essay Competition?

Essays must be original, unpublished, and written in English. Participants are required to adhere to word limits, formatting instructions, and submission deadlines set by the organizers. Entries are usually submitted online through the official CYON portal or via email as specified in the competition announcement.

How are winners selected in the CYON Essay Competition?

Winners are chosen based on clarity of expression, originality, relevance to the theme, and overall quality of writing. A panel of judges, usually consisting of educators, writers, and CYON officials, evaluates all submissions. Top performers may receive cash prizes, certificates, or other awards, while selected essays may also be published by CYON.