A dream of a lifetime came true for the winners of the South African Airways Essay Competition (SAAEC 2022) and National Travel Essay Competition (NTEC 2023) when the airline magnanimously rewarded them with an all-expense-paid trip to Johannesburg, South Africa.
The lucky students included the top three (3) winners of SAAEC 2022 namely Ngwaogu Ifeoluwa Ugochi of Abesan Senior High School, Ipaja (1st position); Aladetohun Kamimayo Enoch of St. Finbarr’s College, Akoka, Yaba (2nd position); Oshimade Abisola Promise of Abiolu Comprehensive College, Igando (3rd position), as well as Ms. Nwafor Merciful Chika of the University of Nigeria, Nsuka (1st position, Tertiary Institutions Category, NTEC 2023).
The four (4) students proceeded to South Africa as a group led by the Media Partner of Travel & Business News, Ms. Daisy Barro, from January 28 – 31, 2024 during which time they visited the Cradle of Humankind; Mandela House; East Rand Mall as well as the historic Vilakazi Street where 800 students lost their lives during the Soweto Uprising in June 1976.
Mrs. Kemi Leke-Bamtefa, Country Manager of South African Airways, divulged the reason for the airline’s involvement in the initiative thus: “Our vision is to impact the lives of the younger generation and encourage them to become leaders and role models of the future.” She continued by urging the students to be worthy ambassadors, and to always fly the flag of success.
When asked about her experience, Ngwaogu Ifeoluwa Ugochi could barely hide her excitement as she said: “The trip was a lot of fun and it was part of the package for winning the competition. It was so wonderful visiting the Cradle of Humankind where we learnt so much about the transition from the past to the present and the future. We also went to Soweto and met a lot of people. We really had what they call an experience and it’s all thanks to South African Airways.”
According to Merciful Chika, going to Johannesburg was an experience of a lifetime. In her own words: “I must say that it has been a wonderful adventure; it has been a time of pleasure and fun as well. I have gotten to learn so many things, especially about the Cradle of Humankind. I’ve gotten to learn things about the country and what makes South Africa unique. And I will say generally, it is a beautiful country and a place that should be a destination for every tourist.”
She went on to add: “I do not undermine the sacrifice and all the dedication that has been committed into this trip. I therefore say a very big thank you to South African Airways. They have done a wonderful job and we really appreciate them.”
Other members of the group who went on the trip described their experience as “fulfilling”, “amazing” and “humbling”, and applauded South African Airways for the gratifying, impressive and deluxe treatment they received every step of the way.
The topic for the SAAEC 2022 Secondary Schools category was: “Protecting Children from Illicit Drugs and Sexual Abuse”, while that for the Tertiary Institutions Category of NTEC 2023 was: “Curbing the Trafficking of Illicit Drugs in Nigeria”.
