…as CSO empowers next generation of leaders through ‘The World, My Way’ challenge
In celebration of National Children’s Day, Edike Africa, an education financing and technology platform, has successfully announced the winners of the third edition of its annual Children’s Day Competition themed “The World, My Way.”
The competition invited Nigerian children aged 5–12 to move beyond traditional rote learning by using digital storytelling, roleplay, and creative expression to share their vision of a better future. Through imaginative presentations, participants explored themes of kindness, equality, environmental responsibility, and community development, demonstrating how they would shape a more compassionate and inclusive world.
The initiative provided a platform for young participants to build confidence, critical thinking, creativity, and self-expression. It also reflects Edike Africa’s commitment to promoting innovative learning experiences that encourage children to think independently, communicate their ideas, and engage with societal issues from an early age.
As the competition concludes, it stands as another milestone in Edike Africa’s mission to nurture the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers across Nigeria.
Celebrating our 2026 winners and future leaders
From a pool of brilliant entries across Nigeria, three young innovators stood out for their remarkable confidence and visionary storytelling. Demonstrating Edike Africa’s commitment to long-term educational security, the company awarded a total of ₦450,000 in prizes. These funds have been processed and remitted directly to the winners’ respective schools as tuition endowments to support their ongoing academic journeys.
First place winner, Ani Greatness Chimdalu from Swiss Kids Academy, Enugu receives ₦200,000
Emerging as the overall winner of the 2026 Children’s Day Competition, Ani Greatness Chimdalu of Swiss Kids Academy, Enugu, secured first place and received a cash prize of ₦200,000.
In her submission, Ani imagined a world where every child has access to education, care, and opportunity. She spoke about a society where no child goes to bed hungry, no child is left behind, and every child is given the chance to pursue their dreams.
Her presentation emphasized kindness, inclusion, and the importance of supporting vulnerable children, highlighting a vision of a world where every child has a safe home, access to learning, and the opportunity to thrive.
Second place winner, Morayooluwa Adeyemi from Role Model School, Ikeja, receives ₦150,000
The second-place position was awarded to Morayooluwa Adeyemi of Role Model School, Ikeja, who received a cash prize of ₦150,000.
In her entry, Morayooluwa envisioned a world built on equality, respect, and freedom of expression. She described a society where discrimination has no place and where every individual, regardless of gender, age, race, or background, is treated fairly.
Her presentation also highlighted environmental responsibility, encouraging better care for nature and wildlife, while promoting a future where people are free to dream, grow, and become whoever they aspire to be without fear of judgment.
Third place winner, Karis Obioha from Ridgeway School, Ajao Estate, receives ₦100,000
Karis Obioha of Ridgeway School, Ajao Estate, emerged as the third-place winner and received ₦100,000.
Through a creative and imaginative presentation, Karis shared a vision of a world where innovation and environmental consciousness go hand in hand. She demonstrated how everyday waste materials could be transformed into art, design, and useful creations.
Her entry focused on creativity as a tool for solving problems, protecting the environment, and inspiring others to think differently. The presentation reinforced the idea that even young people can contribute meaningful ideas toward building a more sustainable future.
Milestones and Key Activities
The 2026 edition opened for national entries on April 1, 2026, and concluded on May 20, 2026. Following a rigorous evaluation by an independent panel of judges, the winners were unveiled during a virtual ceremony on Children’s Day, May 27, 2026. To honour these achievements within their respective learning communities, Edike Africa hosted a series of presentation events. The Grand Prize was awarded to Ani Greatness Chimdalu during a virtual ceremony on June 5, 2026, held with the full support of her family and school. Additionally, the team conducted school outreach visits to present mock cheques to the runners-up, celebrating their success alongside their peers at Ridgeway School on June 8 and Role Model School on June 9, 2026.
Building on a legacy of impact
This year’s competition marks another milestone in the platform’s steady growth. Edike Africa launched its maiden edition in 2024, “My Dreams Are Valid,” followed by the 2025 instalment, “AI My Learning Buddy.” By blending creative early learner engagement with structured educational financing, the platform continues to advance financial literacy and support families in securing their children’s academic futures. This initiative remains firmly rooted in the company’s core mission: “To promote education as the foundation of every thriving society.”
