By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.

In a celebration of innovation and youthful brilliance, JRB Solar Investment Ltd, in collaboration with the Rauf Badamosi Foundation, on Thursday, 30th October, 2025 at the Barcelona Hotels in Abuja, hosted the grand finale of the 2025 JRB Prize for Renewable Energy Essay Competition (Season 2) for senior secondary schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

From over 300 entries, 10 outstanding students advanced to the final stage, with five schools locking horns in a high-stakes intellectual showdown on renewable energy solutions for Nigeria.

Representing their schools in the final round were:

Atamba Favour Dominic, School for the Gifted, Gwagwalada

Anyigor Ugochinyere Rosemary, Regina Pacis College, Garki II

Ajiboye Kehinde Emmanuella, GSS Tunga Maje

Ayantunji M. Abisola, GSS Tudun Wada

Nwanchukwu Franklyn Udochukwu, GSS Maitama

The contestants tackled pressing topics on renewable energy’s impact, challenges, and solutions, highlighting Nigeria’s $50 billion energy deficit and proposing solar energy as the nation’s sustainable way forward. They argued that with proper investment, Nigeria could not only achieve energy sufficiency but also export surplus power to neighboring countries.

Judges evaluated participants based on C.O.D.E. — Content, Organization, Delivery, and Engagement — emphasizing knowledge, clarity, confidence, and audience connection.

After an intense round of presentations, Atamba Favour Dominic from the School for the Gifted, Gwagwalada, emerged overall winner, scoring 87.1% to clinch the ₦1 million cash prize and a tablet. Regina Pacis College and GSS Maitama took second and third positions, winning ₦750,000 and ₦500,000 respectively, along with tablets.

Speaking to journalists after her victory, an elated Atamba said,

“I feel so happy—this is an answered prayer. I thank my teachers, family, and friends for their support. To everyone aspiring for such opportunities: stay focused. If you truly want to do something, there will always be a way.”

She added that perseverance was key to her success, recalling her previous attempt at the competition where she didn’t qualify.

“I didn’t give up; I worked harder, and now I’ve made it,” she said with a smile.

The second runner-up, Anthony, lauded the fairness of the judging process, commending the organizers for giving every participant an equal opportunity.

Earlier, Dr. Jimoh Rauf Badamosi, MD of JRB Group and Founder of the Rauf Badamosi Foundation, addressed contestants virtually, wishing them success and encouraging them to keep promoting renewable energy advocacy across Nigeria.
The features poetry, Spoken words, drama amongst others.