Seyi Makinde essay competition winners get cash prizes, scholarship

A group, Omituntun Initiative in the Diaspora (OID) has again lauded Governor Seyi Makinde’s efforts in repositioning the education sector in Oyo State.

The group gave the commendation during the presentation of awards to the top 20 winners in an essay competition organised by the body tag, ‘Seyi Makinde Essay Competition Award’, held at the Simeon Adebo Staff Development Centre, Conference Hall, Ministry of Establishment and Training building, Secretariat, Ibadan, Oyo State. The winners of the competition were rewarded with cash prizes, certificates, and a scholarship to one of the participants.

According to the group, the competition was organised for students in higher institutions of learning who reside in the state, as well as for indigenes of Oyo State to empower youths and test their intellectual capacity in some selected topics in the area of digital innovations in agriculture and governance.

The event was graced by the Oyo State Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Professor Dahud Sangodoyin; Chairman, Governing Board, Oyo State College of Health Science and Technology, Dr. Aaron Ogundiwin and the Provost of the institution, Mr. Siji Ganiyu; Professor Olufemi Saibu; Dr. Olufemi Olowookere and General Manager, BCOS, Mr. Tunde Ajayi, among others.

The winner of the competition, Salahudeen Balqeez Oyenike was presented with a cheque of N150, 000, while the first runner-up, Adeniyi Oluwamayowa Adedoyin, got a cheque of N100, 000 and the second runner-up, Ezekiel Kolawole, was presented with the sum of N50, 000.

Also, the only secondary school student who made it to the final stage of the competition, Adeleke Oluwaseyi, was presented with a scholarship of Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) form and a first-year tuition fee of the tertiary institution of her choice.

Speaking at the event, Professor Sangodoyin charged the 20 finalists and the three winners of the competition to maximise their potentials as well as to key into programmes in the education sector, which is the salient agenda of Seyi Makinde-led administration.

“We are highly impressed with the outcome of the competition because even secondary school pupils also participated in the over 5000 entries and 20 made it to the final stage of which first, second, and third winners emerged,” he added.

Sangodoyin said: “OID is delighted on the success of Seyi Makinde Essay Competition, which is earmarked as part of the activities marking the second anniversary of the Seyi Makinde-led government. This shows that the future of Oyo State is bright and we only need to push and encourage our young ones in order to have a knowledge-based economy.”

The OID Academy Coordinator, Dr. Sophia Adeyeye also lauded the governor on the success he has recorded, especially in the area of education through various laudable policies gearing towards academic excellence in Oyo State.

She commended Makinde for keeping his promises by appointing Commissioner for Youth, who is less than 30 years of age, and employing more than 5000 youths into Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), as well as giving youths more opportunities in other government parastatals.

OID National Coordinator, Professor Olufemi Saibu, noted that over 20 per cent of the budget allocated to the education sector is paying dividends and encouraging the youths to support the administration in ensuring that the success story in Makinde’s strive for effective and qualitative education within the two years in the office is achievable.

He affirmed that youths as future leaders and agents of change for innovation building if given favourable platform to showcase their academic excellence, skills and talents, will perform incredibly well in any chosen field of human endeavour.

OID Women’s Coordinator, Dr. Olasumbo Savage advised the female students to imbibe the culture of hard work, diligence and dedication so as to excel in their chosen career, adding, “Be yourself and stand to be counted among the best.”

The group spokesperson, Mr. Ayotomiwa Adebayo, in his remarks urged the youths and good people of the state to support the governor in his efforts in transforming education and other key sectors in order to make the state an investment destination for investors.

The event also featured special recognition awards to dignitaries including, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye; Chairman, BCOS, Prince Dotun Oyelade; Special Adviser on Cultural and Tourism, Alhaji Taye Akande; Chairman, Governing Council, Oyo State College of Health, Science and Technology and General Manager, Oyo State Road Traffic Management, Commander Adeoye Ayoade for their contributions to serving the people of the state under the visionary and exceptional leadership of the governor.

Other OID ambassadors and executives at the presentation awards include Mrs. Funke Mosebolatan, Dr. Taiwo Lasisi, Mrs. Yemisi Ologunja, Pastor Adenike Aderibigbe, Mr. Qudus Olayiwola, Mr. Abiola Durudola, Mr Samuel Olaseinde, Mr. Oluwasogo Akinpelu, Mr. Damilare Mathew, Mr. Damilare Ogundibo, Dr. Emmanuel Fagbo, Mr. Bamidele Ojo, among others.