By Mercy Akuba
As part of activities marking the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) organized an essay and debate competition involving 10 secondary schools, with a student of Word of Faith Group International School, Aghime Melody, emerging overall winner and clinching a cash prize of N1 million.
The competition, themed “The Role of Electricity Distribution Company in Nation Building,” attracted participation from students across 10 schools in Benin City, who showcased their knowledge and understanding of the power sector and its importance to national development.
At the end of the contest, Aghime Melody of Word of Faith Group International School scored the highest mark to emerge winner of the competition.
A student of Our Lady of Apostles Premier College, Shaka Momodu, came second and received a cash prize of N750,000, while Elizabeth Osadohen emerged third position winner with a cash prize of N500,000.
Other students who participated in the competition were also presented with school bags in recognition of their performances despite not emerging winners.
Presenting the cheques to the winners, the Managing Director of BEDC, Engr. Jonathan Lawani, represented by the Company Secretary, Barr. Esanye Mayor, commended the performances of all participating schools and students.
He noted that the Children’s Day celebration was organized not only for entertainment but also to educate the children on BEDC’s operations and encourage them to become good ambassadors of the organization.
According to him, the initiative was aimed at providing educative engagement for children and helping them understand the critical role BEDC plays in nation building through electricity distribution.
As part of the corporate social responsibility initiatives of BEDC, Barr. Mayor further urged the students to remain focused on their studies, stressing that they have important roles to play as future leaders of the country.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Head of Branding and Corporate Communications at BEDC, Mrs. Evelyn Oritsetimeyin Gbiwen, congratulated the participating students, teachers, and parents for their commitment and support.
She expressed delight at the turnout of children at the event, describing them as the future of the nation and emphasizing BEDC’s commitment to corporate social responsibility.
According to her, providing reliable electricity goes beyond service delivery, noting that it also involves creating opportunities, hope, and happiness within the communities the company serves.
Mrs. Gbiwen said Children’s Day serves as a reminder of the need to nurture young minds with care, love, and opportunities, adding that BEDC remains proud to contribute to such vision through initiatives that create memorable experiences for children.
She encouraged the children to enjoy the celebration, learn, and continue striving for excellence, assuring them that BEDC remains committed to supporting their growth and future aspirations.
During the facility tour, BEDC Head of Centralized System Operations, Engineer Gabriel Ugala, also enlightened the students on the operations of the company, explaining how energy is generated, distributed, monitored, and coordinated across substations to ensure effective supply to customers.
He gave detailed explanations on the functions of substations and how electricity is generated, installed, and distributed to various feeders across the company’s three franchise states.
According to him, the distribution company cannot distribute beyond what is apportioned to it by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
He also gave room for questions and provided further explanations to the students.
The highpoint of the event was the presentation of cash prizes, while students were later seen dancing and playing within the BEDC headquarters premises.