Osun Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola has charged students in the State to be more dedicated to their studies and see themselves as leaders that will take the nation to greater heights.
Governor Oyetola who was represented by his Deputy, Olugboyega Alabi gave the charge at the Grand Finale of the essay competition, organised by the State Government to commemorate the 60th Year Independence Anniversary of the country with the topic, “Moving Ahead Post- Coronavirus Pandemic, Inpacts and Prospects on the Economy” held at the State Secretariat, Osogbo.
The Governor appreciated all the students who participated in the competition for their time and focus. He added that the competition came at a time when the new normal emerged as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic which shut down the economy of the nation and for which solution must be provided, adding that students must see themselves as ambassadors of the state and the nation at large.
He urged those who did not perform well in the competition not to be discouraged but rather see it as a challenge to put more efforts in whatever they set their hearts to and in their chosen careers.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties, Lekan Badmus appreciated the state governor, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, for approving the Osun 2020 essay competition among tertiary Institutions as part of the activities lined up to mark the 60th Independence Day of Nigeria.
He further disclosed that the Ministry of Regional Integration and Special Duties received 756 entries from 40 participating schools of both private and public higher Institutions across the country which comprises 268 females, 414 males and 74 other entries without traceable information.
Mr. Badmus also added that the topic of the essay competition was carefully chosen to rejuvenate the falling art and skills in reading and writing culture which is dwindling in the various higher institutions of learning in Nigeria.
It would be recalled that the State Government of Osun had announced that interested students of higher institutions of learning should submit essays on the chosen topic.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the panel, Oba Kayode Afolabi, Atoyebi II, Alapomu of Apomuland gave kudos to the governor for giving the students the opportunity to participate in the essay competition.
Oba Afolabi charged the State Government not to relent in its efforts in organizing more of such essay competitions to boost knowledge and academic competitive spririt among the youths in the state.
The monarch however urged the students to be up and doing in their academic pursuit, noting that youths are the leaders of tomorrow and for that future to be brighter, students must cultivate the habit of writing and reading always.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Head of Service, Dr. Olowogboyega Oyebade, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr Yemi Lawal, and his counterpart in the Ministry of Education, Folorunso Oladoyin and the panelists stated that the essence of organizing the essay competition was to ginger the youths so that they will believe in themselves and see that they could get to the peak of their careers if they stay focused.
They equally charged the Local Government Chairmen to go back to their respective areas and organize competitions, saying that by doing this, many youths with great potentials to the nation will be discovered.
After serious scrutiny of the final 20 contestants in both written and oral presentation, the three best candidates who emerged winner were Abosede Oyinlola Samson from Obafemi Awolowo University , Ile Ife came tops. Ademuyi Stella Jesuloluwa from Adeleke University, Ede came second while Adelu Sheriff Olamide from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife came third and they were awarded as promised laptops, Phones, Cash, a plot of land and other valuable materials. The three winners also got certificates of participation.
In attendance at the event were: Secretary to the State Government, Prince Wole Oyebamiji, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Abdullah Binuyo, Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Hon. Sola Oladepo, Commissioner for Works and Transport, Engineer Oluremi Omowaye, Commissioner for Comerce and Industry, Dr. Bode Olanipekun and Permanent Secretatries, Coordinating Directors among others.
