Chevron Nigeria Limited, in partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has once again demonstrated its dedication to promoting education in Nigeria by backing initiatives that encourage academic excellence and youth empowerment.
This reaffirmation was made at the 2025 Chris Ikomi Memorial Annual Essay Competition award ceremony, held at the Conference Hall of the Olorogun Felix Ibru Secretariat in Asaba, Delta State.
Speaking at the event, Chairman and Managing Director, Chevron Nigeria Limited, Jim Swartz, emphasized the company’s unwavering belief in education as a catalyst for national growth and positive societal change. He explained that the Chris Ikomi Essay Competition, established in memory of the late Chevron employee, Chris Ikomi, who lost his life during the 1999 Warri inter-ethnic conflict, is more than a writing contest. According to him, it is a purposeful platform designed to spark critical thinking, innovation, and national values such as peace, tolerance, and sustainability among young Nigerians.
Swartz who was represented Mr. Momodu Rilwanu, Area Manager, PGPA Field Operations, further highlighted the significant contributions of the NNPCL/Chevron Joint Venture to education in Delta State and other parts of Nigeria through scholarships, infrastructure support, training initiatives, and student competitions aimed at empowering young minds. He added that the company’s social investments also cover healthcare, water supply, and other community development projects, aligning with Chevron’s broader goal of sustainable development.
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In her remarks the Delta State Commissioner for Secondary Education, Hon. Mrs. Rose Ezewu, lauded Chevron and its partners for their unwavering commitment to the competition since it began in 2001.
Represented at the event by Mr. Daniel Akiri, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Ezewu acknowledged the positive impact of the initiative on students’ interest in English Language and its role in promoting peaceful coexistence among youths from different ethnic communities across the state.
Commenting on this year’s essay theme, “Nigeria: Going Green and Sustainable”, Ezewu described it as timely and inspiring, urging students to think critically about environmental sustainability and to embrace responsibility for the nation’s future. She also assured of the ministry’s openness to further collaboration with private sector stakeholders to enhance the quality of education in Delta State.
Dr. Emma Ikomi, speaking on behalf of the Ikomi family, expressed heartfelt appreciation to Chevron and its collaborators for honouring his late brother’s legacy through the essay competition. He noted that while many employees pass away in active service, only a few are commemorated in this way—an honour earned by Chris Ikomi through his exemplary dedication and character. He encouraged students to live by values such as integrity, honesty, hard work, and commitment, which he described as fundamental to personal and professional success.
Six outstanding students were recognised during the ceremony as winners in the junior and senior divisions of the competition. In the junior category, Mala Gloria Abe of Ighogba Secondary School, Warri South, secured first place; Chukwuewniwe Gift Isioma of Niger Mixed Secondary School, Asaba, came in second; while Onyebo Naomi T. of NEPA Staff School, Sapele, took third. For the senior category, Chukwulo Perfect Chidinma of Noble Academy, Okpanam, earned the top spot; Ajogwu Jovian of NEPA Staff School, Sapele, came second; and Okosi Believe of Okene Mixed Secondary School, Okpe, was third.
Delivering a vote of thanks on behalf of the winners, Chukwulo Perfect Chidinma expressed profound gratitude to the organisers, sponsors, and government for the opportunity given to students to demonstrate their writing skills and contribute meaningfully to national conversations.
