13-Year-Old Student Wins N5 Million in Heirs Insurance Essay Championship

Hephzibah Chidi, a Grade-10 student from Seacrest Preparatory School in Port-Harcourt, has won the 2024 Heirs Insurance Group’s Essay Championship Scholarship. Chidi emerged victorious over two other finalists, securing the grand prize of N5 million.

The event, held on Tuesday at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja, also saw Pemisire Owolabi from Quest College in Oyo State take second place with a N2 million scholarship, and Mariam Raheem from Isador Model School in Lagos State claim third place with a N1 million scholarship.

The winners were announced during a grand ceremony attended by their parents, school representatives, and distinguished guests, including Charles Odii, Director General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), and Niyi Onifade, MD/CEO of Heirs Life Assurance and Sector Head of Heirs Insurance Group.

Chidi captivated the judges with her essay and presentation titled “The Story of My Hero.” In addition to her N5 million scholarship, her school, Seacrest Preparatory, received a N1 million grant for an educational project.

This year’s championship attracted nearly 5,000 participants from junior secondary schools nationwide, showcasing exceptional creativity and innovative ideas. The event underscores Heirs Insurance Group’s commitment to supporting education and promoting financial literacy.

Niyi Onifade emphasized the importance of education as a pathway to a better future and a catalyst for financial empowerment. He praised the creativity and critical thinking displayed by all participants, highlighting the role of young minds in shaping the future of Nigeria.