The Ethical Living Project, sponsored by the African Capital Alliance (ACA) Foundation, has continued to make a significant impact on character development and ethical leadership among Nigerian students, reaching 6,771 students since its inception in 2024.

At the grand finale of the 2026 Ethical Living Project Essay Competition held in Lagos on Thursday, June 11, three outstanding students from public secondary schools won scholarships worth a total of N10 million to support their tertiary education.

The winners are Monu Paulina Abodunrin of Wesley Girls Senior College, Yaba (N5 million); Chijioke Oluebubechukwu Blessing of Jagunmolu Girls Senior Grammar School, Shomolu (N3 million); and Kalu Chidera Blessing of Babs Fafunwa Millennium Senior Secondary School, Ojodu (N2 million).

In addition, 120 students, the top three participants from each of the 40 participating schools, received cash prizes totaling N4 million, ranging from N20,000 to N50,000 per student. Overall, 2,888 students participated in the essay competition.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of the ACA Foundation, Mr. Paul Kokoricha, reaffirmed the Foundation's commitment to nurturing ethical leadership and responsible citizenship among young Nigerians.

According to him, what began as a modest initiative has evolved into a movement that inspires young people to embrace ethical leadership, responsible citizenship, and principled decision-making.

“The Ethical Living Project is a long-term investment in the future of our nation. It is a platform for shaping values, nurturing leadership, and empowering young people to become ethical changemakers in their communities and beyond,” he said.

Kokoricha noted that the project expanded from 10 public secondary schools at inception to 40 schools in 2026, engaging 4,145 students during the current cycle.

“The true impact lies in the conversations it sparks in classrooms, the ideas shared among peers, and the values being planted in the hearts of these young people. Sustainable progress can only be built on a foundation of integrity and accountability.”

Also speaking, the Country Director of Enactus Nigeria and implementing partner for the project, Michael Ajayi, disclosed that the Ethical Living Project has impacted 6,771 students across 70 schools between 2024 and 2026.

He described the initiative as a deliberate investment in the future of young people, designed to nurture, develop, and amplify their potential.

“The project helps awaken ethical consciousness among students. Its purpose is to transform young people so they can, in turn, transform society,” Ajayi said.

He urged participants to remain committed to the values they have learned and to positively influence society, beginning from their homes, schools, and communities.

Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, the Director of Co-Curricular Services, Mrs. Oluyemisi Adebesin, commended ACA Foundation and its partners for promoting ethical values, responsible citizenship, and character development among young people.

According to her, ‘In today’s rapidly evolving world, where societies are increasingly confronted with complex social and moral challenges, the importance of value-based education cannot be overemphasized,’ stressing that initiatives such as the Ethical Living Project are not only timely but also essential in helping to shape a generation of responsible, principled, and socially conscious citizens.

She emphasized that education should extend beyond academic excellence to include the development of integrity, empathy, discipline, resilience, and leadership qualities needed to build a peaceful and progressive society.

Adebesin also assured participants of the Lagos State Government's continued support for youth-focused and transformative initiatives that contribute to shaping future leaders.

In her Keynote Address to the students, Co-Founder of Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution, Lilian Ama-Aluko, encouraged them to cultivate the courage to do what is right, remain disciplined, and stay true to their values.

She reminded them that seemingly small decisions often have far-reaching consequences and play a critical role in shaping character, leadership, and future success.

The Ethical Living Project is an initiative of ACA Foundation aimed at promoting ethical values, responsible citizenship, integrity, and leadership among secondary school students through engagement, mentorship, and academic competition.

•PHOTO: (L-R) Michael Ajayi, Country Director, Enactus Nigeria; Kalu Blessing, 3rd Position; Lillian Amah-Aluko, Co-Founder and Director, Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution; Chijioke Blessing, 2nd position; Uwa Osa-Oboh, Head, Corporate Development, African Capital Alliance; and Monu-Paulina Abodunrin, 1st Position, at the Grand Finale/Prize presentations of the Ethical Living Project 2026 Essay Writing Competition in Lagos.

Update news