South African Airways (SAA) has announced the commencement of the fourth edition of the South African Airways Essay Competition (SAAEC 2026) for secondary schools in Nigeria.
Kemi Leke-Bamtefa, Country Manager of the airline, said the writing contest was mooted in a bid to entrench the values of patriotism, love for humanity, selflessness, tolerance and honesty in the lives of young Nigerians as well as to expose them to the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela.
“Our goal is to positively touch the lives of the Nigerian youth while also making an impact on their academic and socio-political awareness, in the spirit of love for nationhood and stimulating their desire to make a difference. Hence the theme chosen for this year’s essay is: “The Importance of Mental Health Awareness Among Young People”, Mrs. Leke-Bamtefa noted.
SAA is not just an airline, but an African airline that cherishes the continent’s rich culture as well as drives the values of the African Child. To this end, SAA chose to commence the contest October 12, 2026 in commemoration of World Mental Health day 2026 celebrated on October 10.
Entries for SAAEC 2026 are open from Monday October 12, 2026 to Friday November 13, 2026.
Successful participants will be invited to an Award Presentation Reception where the winners will be announced and presented with cash gifts and other prizes.
SAAEC 2026 is a CSR Project of SAA organised by the airline in partnership with Travel & Business News who serve as consultants.
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Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha is the Aviation Correspondent at BusinessDay Media Limited, publishers of BusinessDay Newspapers. She is also the Deputy Editor, BusinessDay Weekender Magazine, the Saturday Weekend edition of BusinessDay. She holds a BSC in Mass Communication from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka and a Masters degree in Marketing at the University of Lagos. As the lead writer on the aviation desk, Ifeoma is responsible and in charge of the three weekly aviation and travel pages in BusinessDay and BDSunday. She also overseas and edits all pages of BusinessDay Saturday Weekender. She has written various investigative, features and news stories in aviation and business related issues and has been severally nominated for award in the category of Aviation Writer of the Year by the Nigeria Media Nite-Out awards; one of the Nigeria’s most prestigious media awards ceremonies. Ifeoma is a one-time winner of the prestigious Nigeria Media Merit Award under the 'Aviation Writer of the Year' Category. She is the 2025 Eloy Award winner under the Print Media Journalist category. She has undergone several journalism trainings by various prestigious organisations. Ifeoma is also a fellow of the Female Reporters Leadership Fellowship of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism.
