Poet Kearls Emerges Winner of the 2024 NUGS SDGs Essay Competition

Samuel Issifu, also known as Poet Kearls, has been named the winner of the 2024 SDGs Essay Competition, organized by the University for Development Studies (UDS) National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) in Tamale. This recognition highlights his exceptional literary abilities and his strong commitment to advancing global development through the power of the written word.

Samuel, a fourth-year medical student at the University for Development Studies (UDS), has managed to strike an impressive balance between the rigorous demands of his medical education and his flourishing career as a writer and poet. His award-winning essay was lauded by the judges for its insightful exploration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular focus on education and health as essential pillars for achieving transformative change. Through compelling arguments and thoughtful analysis, his essay emphasized the vital role of youth in advancing the SDG agenda, while also advocating for cross-sector collaborations as a means to foster a more resilient and equitable global future.

The award ceremony took place during the NUGS Sustainable Development Goals Summit on November 30, 2024, at the Multipurpose Auditorium of UDS in Tamale. At the event, Samuel was celebrated for his intellectual engagement and creativity, alongside the first and second runners-up. This occasion honored those whose work reflects a commitment to global development and sustainable progress.

Known widely by his pen name, Poet Kearls, Samuel has also made significant contributions to literature and performance art. His poetry, celebrated for its emotional depth, social relevance, and thought-provoking themes, has garnered both national and international recognition. A multiple award-winning artist, Samuel has performed at prestigious events, including those attended by high-profile figures such as Ghana’s President, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban S.K. Bagbin. His work continues to break new ground at the intersection of creativity, intellect, and advocacy, establishing him as a leading figure in youth leadership.

The 2024 NUGS SDGs Summit brought together a diverse group of young thinkers, changemakers, and scholars, all of whom are passionate about tackling global challenges. Samuel’s victory stands as a testament to the potential of Ghanaian youth to lead the charge for sustainable development. Reflecting on his journey, he described the youth as “torchbearers of global progress, equipped with both dreams and the determination to transform them into reality.” This statement encapsulates Samuel’s belief in the power of young people to shape the future of the world, using their creativity, energy, and ambition to drive meaningful change.

Samuel’s story is one of perseverance, vision, and resilience, which has inspired countless students, writers, and advocates. His ability to seamlessly navigate between his medical studies and his passion for writing serves as a powerful example of how dedication to multiple disciplines can lead to extraordinary accomplishments. Whether holding a stethoscope or a pen, Samuel epitomizes the fusion of intellectual rigor and artistic expression, proving that passion and purpose can converge to make a profound impact.

The recognition he received at the NUGS SDGs Summit is not just an accolade but also a symbol of the limitless possibilities that arise when individuals dedicate themselves to both their personal growth and to the betterment of society. Samuel’s victory in the 2024 SDGs Essay Competition is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of youth engagement, education, and the written word in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. His work continues to inspire future generations, showing that with determination and vision, anyone can contribute to a brighter, more sustainable future.