By Patrick Obia
Two years after emerging winners of Mrs. Linda Ayade Literary Art competition, winners of the second edition held in 2019 are yet to receive their prize money.
The Linda Ayade Literary Art Competition was conceived to promote literary creativity among young people in Cross River State who have a leaning to creative works of art and covers competitions in poetry and prose.
The 2019 prize money for the competition is £1000 for each category and was said to have been approved by Governor Ben Ayade.
Winners of the 2019 edition in both categories, Timothy Undiandeye, Peace Otelahu Idagu, Favour Isaac Effiong and Enyia Patrick Dominic said they have not been paid.
They revealed that they have explored all means including reaching out to Mr. Emmanuel Etim, the SSA to Mr. Ayade on Creative and Knowledge Economy “who has been making countless excuses, saying that the delay was due to the COVID 19 pandemic.”
In an open letter to the wife of the Governor, Mrs. Linda Ayade, the winners unanimously said the organizers of the competition should do the needful and save the State from public disgrace.
According to the letter: “Over the years, literary works have gained little or no attention from the Government of Cross River State. However, this present administration seemed to be taking a different approach when the office of the SSA Creative and Knowledge Economy launched the Linda Ayade Literary Art Competition in 2018. The competition sought to recognize, promote and encourage literary creatives in the State.
“In 2019, the second edition of the competition was announced with the theme ‘Spirit of Enterprise’ and a prestigious prize of £1000.
“The winners were filled with joy, primarily because their work was being recognized at home; and more so, that the prize money would be used to support their growth in the industry. What could be more exciting at the time?”
Registering their frustration, the further said: “Fast forward to October 2021. Nothing has been heard about the prizes, Mr. Emmanuel Etim, the SSA to the Governor has been making countless excuses, saying that the delay was due to the COVID 19 pandemic.
“It is noteworthy to point out that the 2018 winners had to publicly call out the SSA on numerous occasions, before they got paid. We have also seen the present administration dole out cash gifts to less talented people.
“We were confident that the competition was named after Her Excellency, and our confidence in her stood unshaken. Now all we ask for is that the money legitimately won in the competition be paid to us,” it ended.
When contacted on phone, the Press Secretary to Dr. Linda Ayade whom the competition was named after, Mr. Fred Abua said the wife of the “Governor has no hand in the competition,” stressing that the SSA to Governor Ayade on Creative and Knowledge Economy, Mr. Emmanuel Etim should be held responsible.
Mr. Fred said, “That Literary Art Competition you are referring to is just named after her the same way it is named after others. She is not the one behind that event. Her Excellency is not involved in that competition you’re talking about at all. You should speak with Mr. Emmanuel Etim, you know him very well.”
When contacted, Mr. Emmanuel Etim said the ball is in the Governor’s court subjected to his approval.
“The competition was held and the prize money was supposed to be released to the winners. It is on the table of His Excellency and when he approves it the event for the presentation will hold.” Mr. Etim said.