Judith Tsaaior, 21, has emerged as the winner of the 11th edition of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Essay Competition/National Symposium.

Pastor Samuel Sanusi, General Secretary of the Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN), announced Tsaaior as the winner at the 11th African Biblical Leadership Initiative (ABLI) in Abuja on Thursday.

Tsaaior, a corps member serving in Taraba State University, hails from Benue State and studied English and Literary Studies at Veritas University, Abuja.

The essay competition’s topic was “Raising a New Generation of Transformational Leaders.”

Sanusi noted that the programme had been in existence for over 12 years, with the BSN investing approximately N10 million in the competition.

He said about 200 corps members participated in the essay competition in June 2024.

Sanusi, who said six finalists were shortlisted from the 200 entries to defend their essays, added judging criteria included spoken English, level of exposure, comportment, and ability to explain the topic in detail.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tsaaior scored 172.5 per cent and received N400,000, a Holy Bible, management books, and a scholarship.

Davina Williams from Akwa Ibom State, serving in Rivers State, secured second place with a score of 172, receiving N300,000, a Holy Bible, management books, and a scholarship.

The third-place winner also received a scholarship, while the remaining three finalists received monetary awards.

Tsaaior expressed gratitude to the BSN for the opportunity to participate in the competition. (NAN)