FactualTimes Organises Essay Competition to Celebrate Managing Editor Oyewale Oyelola’s 40th Birthday

FactualTimes, a media organisation, has celebrated the 40th birthday of its Managing Editor, Mr. Oyewale Oyelola, with an essay competition and academic activities designed to promote excellence among secondary school students in Ilorin South Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The event, which took place at Crystal House, Amodu Bello Way, Ilorin, was attended by family members, associates, well-wishers, teachers and students from six secondary schools across the local government area.

Eighteen students participated in the competition, demonstrating their knowledge, writing skills and intellectual abilities in a contest aimed at encouraging learning and healthy academic competition.

To recognise outstanding performances and inspire academic excellence, the celebrant presented laptops, cash prizes and books to deserving participants.

In the individual category, Lawal Fatima of Senior Secondary School, Dani-Alu, emerged first with 76 points, winning a laptop. Aminu Boluwatife of Senior Secondary School, Opolo, secured second position with 70 points and was also rewarded with a laptop.

Quozim Abdullahi came third with 65 points, receiving a cash prize of ₦20,000 and a book.

In the school category, Senior Secondary School, Dani-Alu, emerged overall winner with 64 points, followed by Senior Secondary School, Opolo, which scored 60 points. Senior Secondary School, Ero-Omoh, came third with 55 points.

Other schools that participated in the competition were Government Day Secondary School, Agbabiaka; Fate Basin Secondary School; and Senior Secondary School, Olunlade.

The Executive Chairman of Ilorin South Local Government Council, Hon. Nuhu Majeed Podo, who graced the occasion, commended the teachers in attendance for their dedication to teaching, mentoring and shaping the future of young people.

He recognised the significant contributions of teachers to students’ academic development and urged them to remain committed to raising responsible, knowledgeable and confident learners.

The programme also offered students the opportunity to interact directly with the council chairman and draw his attention to challenges facing their respective schools.

During the engagement, the students identified areas where their schools required assistance, enabling Hon. Podo to listen to their concerns and better understand the conditions under which they learn.

The interaction underscored the importance of listening to students and promoting dialogue among government officials, teachers and learners as part of efforts to improve education at the grassroots level.

Hon. Podo congratulated Oyelola on his 40th birthday, commending him for using the milestone to promote education, celebrate talented students and highlight the needs of schools within the local government area.

He also wished the celebrant good health, greater accomplishments and continued success in his personal and professional endeavours.

Beyond celebrating a personal milestone, the event highlighted the contributions of media practitioners and community stakeholders to educational development, the recognition of teachers and the encouragement of young people to pursue academic excellence.