The African Church Grammar School, Abeokuta, achieved an impressive victory by securing first place with a reward of N250,000 and a full HP desktop computer during the grand finale of an essay and debate competition organized for schools throughout Ogun State. This notable event took place on Saturday at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta, orchestrated by the Adebiyi Habib Foundation, a non-profit organization, in partnership with the Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science & Technology. The competition was designed to promote educational excellence among students in the state, culminating in a celebration of academic prowess and rhetorical skills.
The competition enjoyed a robust participation, with 100 entries received and over 45 schools qualifying for subsequent rounds; ultimately, just eight schools made it to the finals. Among the notable participants, the Anglican Girls Grammar School in Ijebu Ode distinguished itself as the first runner-up, receiving N150,000 and an HP colored printer. Meanwhile, the Abeokuta Girls Grammar School clinched the second runner-up position, winning N120,000 alongside another HP colored printer. This competitive spirit not only showcased the talents of young debaters and essayists but also underscored the commitment of these institutions to academic achievement in Ogun State.
During the ceremony, the Commissioner of Education, Science & Technology, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, delivered a commendation for the foundation’s initiatives in organizing such educational contests. He emphasized the importance of similar programs to enhance education in Ogun State, indicating a need for continued engagement and investment in student development. Guest speaker Oluwafemi Ogunsanya, from the Ogun Tech Summit, presented on the theme “The Role of Technology in Education,” urging students to adopt information technology as a means to enrich their learning experiences and contribute positively to their communities.
Barrister Adebiyi Habib, the founder of the Adebiyi Habib Foundation, highlighted the imperative to address the disturbing high rates of out-of-school children in the region. His vision for the competition stemmed from a desire to mentor and empower the younger generation, fostering self-empowerment within them. Habib expressed his commitment to launching similar initiatives aimed at enhancing educational opportunities and technological access across Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole, reaffirming the foundation’s ongoing mission to support youth development through education.
Mr. Akinsowon Lateef, the Executive Director of the NGO, echoed Habib’s sentiments, stating that the foundation intends to facilitate an environment conducive to the growth and development of young people, particularly in less-developed communities. He expressed hope that the efforts would lead to a significant transformation in the educational landscape, with beneficiaries emerging as proud ambassadors of their communities and the nation within the next five years. Moreover, the initiative also aimed to inspire those who had been marginalized or excluded, fostering a culture of innovation and creativity that empowers individuals to take charge of their circumstances and futures.
As part of the event’s impact, over a thousand exercise books were distributed to all attendees, and certificates of participation were issued to finalists, symbolizing their commitment to academic excellence. This distribution represented a tangible reinforcement of the foundation’s investment in educational resources for students. Ultimately, the competition not only recognized the talent among the youth but also represented a strategic step toward nurturing responsible and empowered future leaders equipped with the skills necessary to contribute positively to society through education and technology.
