… FactualTimes Presents Laptops, Cash Prizes to Outstanding Students
… Council Chairman Commends Teachers, Encourages Academic Excellence
FactualTimes, a media organisation, has celebrated its Managing Editor, Mr. Oyewale Oyelola, on his 40th birthday with an essay competition and other educational activities aimed at promoting academic excellence among secondary school students in Ilorin South Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The event, held at Crystal House, Amodu Bello Way, Ilorin, attracted family members, friends, associates, teachers and students from six secondary schools across the local government area.
Eighteen students participated in the essay competition, showcasing their writing skills, knowledge and critical thinking in a contest designed to encourage learning and healthy academic competition.
To reward their efforts and motivate other students, the celebrant presented laptops, cash prizes and books to outstanding participants.
In the individual category, Lawal Fatima of Senior Secondary School, Dani-Alu, emerged first with 76 points and received a laptop. Aminu Boluwatife of Senior Secondary School, Opolo, came second with 70 points and also won a laptop.
Quozim Abdullahi secured third place with 65 points, earning ₦20,000 and a book.
In the school category, Senior Secondary School, Dani-Alu, emerged overall winner with 64 points, while Senior Secondary School, Opolo, came second with 60 points. Senior Secondary School, Ero-Omoh, took third position with 55 points.
Other participating schools 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 attended the event, commended the teachers for their dedication to teaching, mentoring and preparing students for the future.
He acknowledged the vital role teachers play in shaping students’ academic performance and character, urging them to remain committed to nurturing responsible, knowledgeable and confident young people.
The event also created an opportunity for students to engage directly with the council chairman and discuss some of the challenges affecting their schools.
During the interaction, the students highlighted specific needs and difficulties confronting their respective institutions, allowing Podo to listen to their concerns and gain firsthand insight into their learning environments.
The engagement highlighted the importance of involving students in conversations about education and encouraging collaboration among government officials, teachers and learners to address challenges facing schools at the grassroots.
Podo also congratulated Oyelola on his 40th birthday, praising him for using the occasion to promote education, reward talented students and draw attention to the needs of schools in the local government area.
He wished the celebrant good health, greater accomplishments and continued success in his personal and professional life.
The celebration went beyond a birthday gathering, demonstrating how media organisations and community leaders can contribute to educational development by recognising outstanding students, appreciating teachers and creating opportunities for young people to thrive.