In a powerful move spotlighting Nigeria’s emerging tech talent, SystemSpecs—one of Africa’s foremost technology groups—will host the grand finale of its flagship initiative, the Children’s Day Essay Competition (CDEC), on Friday, June 27, 2025. Now in its sixth impactful year, the CDEC continues to affirm SystemSpecs’ commitment to nurturing young minds and fostering innovation across Nigeria.
This year’s theme, “How I Would Use Technology to Mobilise My Peers for a Greater Nigeria,” inspired over 4,700 creative entries from students aged nine to sixteen—an impressive 33% jump in participation compared with the previous year. The surge in entries underscores both the growing interest in tech-driven civic engagement and the initiative’s expanding reach across all six geopolitical zones.
Following a rigorous evaluation by an expert panel—assessing originality, relevance, clarity, and practical application of ideas—the competition has produced standout winners in both junior and senior categories. In the junior group, Adeomi Adesewa Penelope of Abesan Comprehensive Junior College, Lagos, clinched first prize, while Okeke Chukwudumebi Daniel of Loyola Jesuit College, Abuja, secured the senior top spot.
The winners receive substantial rewards: ₦1 million cash, laptops, one-year internet subscriptions, and other gift items. Second-place finishers—Agboola Caleb (junior) and Mbadugha Chisom Ifechi Chukwu (senior)—will each receive ₦750,000, while third-place winners Yusuf Adeleke and Ifewemeh‑Ojo Ohihioemehen will receive ₦500,000, alongside similar tech‑enabled packages.
Lagos State has been recognised as the winning state, boasting the largest share of top-100 entries from public schools—a testament to the state’s increasing role in tech education and civic participation.
SystemSpecs CEO, Mr. John Obaro, will grace the event, underlining the company’s dedication to empowering the next generation. As managing director and CEO, his leadership has driven SystemSpecs’ transformation from a modest five-person team into a leading fintech powerhouse known for flagship products such as Remita and HumanManager.
Speaking on the upcoming ceremony, Mrs. Bukola Adeboye, Executive Director of Corporate Services at SystemSpecs, emphasised the broader vision behind CDEC:
“We are not just celebrating talent. We are building a generation of holistic children—thinkers, creators, builders—who can leverage technology not only for personal success but for collective impact.”
Her statement aligns with SystemSpecs’ long‑term, ESG‑centric—that is, Environmental, Social, and Governance—approach to technology, emphasising not just infrastructure but also intellectual capital and youth leadership.
Filmmaker and digital advocate Oladiwura Oladepo, Executive Director of Tech4Dev, will deliver the keynote address. Known for grassroots advocacy and digital inclusion, Oladepo will speak on how peer-driven innovation can drive sustainable national development.
The event will also feature youth-led panel discussions focused on translating technology into peer mobilisation and national progress. These will be complemented by adult-led conversations exploring the role of families, schools, and communities in empowering young innovators. Attendees can look forward to musical performances, interactive segments, and interactive giveaways, creating a dynamic and participatory experience.
SystemSpecs to Honour Young Tech Innovators at CDEC Awards
SystemSpecs will host the virtual grand finale of the 2025 Children’s Day Essay Competition (CDEC) on June 27, spotlighting Nigeria’s young tech trailblazers. Themed “How I Would Use Technology to Mobilise My Peers for a Greater Nigeria,” the competition drew over 4,700 entries from children aged 9–16, a 33% increase from last year.
SystemSpecs Celebrates Citizens, Not Just Contestants
This year’s winners, Adeomi Adesewa Penelope and Okeke Chukwudumebi Daniel, will each receive ₦1 million, laptops, data subscriptions, and more. Runner-ups receive ₦750k and ₦500k prizes, with Lagos State earning recognition for producing the most top-tier public school submissions.
Institutional Vision & Broader Impact
The event features keynote speaker Oladiwura Oladepo of Tech4Dev and discussions on youth-led tech solutions. Mrs. Bukola Adeboye highlights that CDEC is more than a writing contest—it’s a movement to nurture holistic, tech‑savvy leaders for the collective national benefit. By investing in young voices today, SystemSpecs is shaping citizens who will define a digital, inclusive Nigeria.
The ceremony underscores the company’s long-term strategy: driving Environmental, Social, and Governance excellence through community investments that elevate young Nigerians to become architects of their own future.
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