By Sade Williams
South African Airways (SAA) has rewarded winners of two of its yearly sponsored essay contests with an all-expenses paid trip to Johannesburg, South Africa.
They include the top three winners of the South African Airways Essay Competition (SAAEC 2022) for Secondary Schools, and the first place winner of the Tertiary Institutions Category of the National Travel Essay Competition (NTEC 2023). Winners of SAAEC 2022 include, Ngwaogu Ifeoluwa Ugochi of Abesan Senior High School, Ipaja in 1st position; Aladetohun Kamimayo Enoch of St. Finbarr’s College, Akoka, Yaba in 2nd position; and Oshimade Abisola Promise of Abiolu Comprehensive College, Igando in 3rd position.
Ms. Nwafor Merciful Chika of the University of Nigeria, Nsuka who emerged in first place in the Tertiary Institutions Category of the NTEC 2023 also made the trip together with the Media Partner, Ms. Daisy Barro of Travel & Business News.
Sharing in the excitement of the students, Mrs. Kemi Leke-Bamtefa, Country Manager of South African Airways, said; “Our vision is to impact the lives of the younger generation and encourage them to become leaders and role models of the future.”
She therefore urged them to be worthy ambassadors and to always keep their flag of success flying.
The students proceeded on the trip over four days from January 28 – 31, 2024. On the first day of their visit in Johannesburg, the students had the pleasure of going on a full day Cradle of humankind Tour where they had the opportunity to experience exhibitions representing human development recorded over the last few million years.
They travelled through time from the Big Bang via evolutionary processes to the world as we know it; through fascinating caves where simulations of pre-historic times were presented with uncanny realism, causing the students to sometimes scream from either fear or glee from the adrenaline-pumping novelty of the experience – an experience which they all agreed they will never forget.
The second day of this incredible adventure was spent in Soweto. The students were dressed in their school uniforms, in solidarity with the 800 students who lost their lives during the Soweto uprising in June 1976.
Even though learning about this history was a painful experience, the children confessed to learning that they were not too small to start a ripple themselves that could bring about massive changes within their respective social realities.
They also got the opportunity to relive the times and life of the late Nelson Mandela during a visit to his Soweto home.
On the last day of their stay in Johannesburg, the students had the pleasure of visiting East Rand Mall, where they spent time shopping, taking pictures and generally having a good time. This was followed by a ride back to the airport in readiness for their return to Lagos.
But this was not until they had enjoyed a relaxing time with sumptuous lunch at the South African Airways Business Class Lounge before finally boarding the flight with heavy hearts and bidding farewell to South Africa.
Speaking on her amazing experience, Ngwaogu Ifeoluwa Ugochi 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 its all thanks to South African Airways.”
On her part, an elated Nwafor Merciful Chika remarked that; “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 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.
“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,” she added. The topic for the Secondary Schools essay contest for SAAEC 2022 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.”
In their own words, the other members of the group said the experience was “humbling”, “amazing” and “fulfilling” as they all appreciated South African Airways for the luxurious treatment they received and for giving them the opportunity to be part of such an unforgettable and once in a life time enterprise.
