Writing, as defined by the Oxford English Dictionary, is a medium of human communication that represents language with signs and symbols. Writing as an important form of communication allow individuals exhibit their thoughts, opinion, emotions and personal experiences on diverse areas of life. Written communication; a basic skill which is a prerequisite for academic and professional growth in the transitioning world.
In line with this, the AIFA Reading Society’s (the Society) initiative; Young Writers’ Award (YWA), stimulates the creative thinking and analytical skills of students and teachers to explore their abilities to address significant educational concerns, and conduct intensive research on topics that affect the society. This annual exercise broadens their frontiers of their minds to innovative and mindboggling perspectives.
The annual YWA held on Thursday, October 17, 2019, at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, under the distinguished Chairmanship of Professor Enase Okonedo; Dean, Lagos Business School and the President of the Society who in delivering the opening remarks impressed on the need for the need to imbibe reading culture in citizens of the Country particularly the young ones.
Present at the award ceremony was a representative of Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Lagos State; Mrs. Abiola Seriki Ayeni who also delivered the Keynote address. In her speech, Mrs. Ayeni, the Director General for Education Quality Assurance, Ministry of Education, Lagos State, commended the Society for its constant promotion of competitive reading culture and sustainable educational development strategy that transverse Africa and for staying glued to its vision.
To educate attendees, the Society employed a discussion panel who discussed extensively on the theme of the event. This circle which was moderated by Mrs. Mary Agbu; Executive Director of Multiplan Pathway College, panelist includes; Mrs. Adeyoyin Adesina; the Chief Executive Officer of Corona Schools Trust Council, Dr. Modupe Adefeso-Olateju; Managing Director of the Education Partnership (TEP) Centre, Mr. Stewart King; Principal of the British International School, Lagos and Ms. Adaobi Oni-Egboma; an Associate at Kenna Partners deliberated extensively on the current state of the system of education in Nigeria and the ways of repositioning education in Nigeria for relevance in the 21st Century taking into consideration the technological growth around the world.
The panelist in their discussions identified the need for technological advancement in Education and harmonising the policies being implemented by both State and Federal Government, using the old and new/ technology-driven system of education.
Awards were presented to students and teachers with exceptional performances at the essay writing competition. In the Junior category; the best writer Ms. Adams Mary Anjolajesu of Magbon Alade Junior Grammar School, Magbon Alade, Ibeju Lekki was awarded the sum of NGN50,000. In second place, Ms. Tomon-Kehinde of Okesuna Junior Secondary School was given the sum of NGN30,000 and Ms. Asika Lydia of Ajeromi Ifelodun Junior High School, who came in third place received the sum of NGN20,000. In addition to the cash prize, the winners also received Textbooks from Learn Africa Plc.
For the Senior category; the best writer was awarded to Ms. Ajala Gloria of Magbon Alade Junior Grammar School, Magbon Alade, Ibeju Lekki who received the sum of NGN100,000. Ms. Timothy Jesse Yali of Magbon Alade Senior Grammar School Magbon Alade, Ibeju Lekki, in second place received the sum of NGN50,000, while Ms. Oluyemi Esther Oreoluwa of Surulere Girls’ Senior Secondary School, Mosalasi-Mushin, Lagos, came in third place and received the sum of NGN25,000.
Finally, the winner of the Teacher’s category Award was Mr. Ajani Sunday Oluyemi of Girls’ Junior Academy Lagos Island who received the sum of NGN150,000. In second place, Mr. Odiagbe Martins Iyere of Magbon Alade Senior Grammar School Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, received the sum of NGN100,000, while Mr. Awoniran Johnson Akinlolu of Magbon Alade Junior Grammar School, Magbon Alade, Ibeju-Lekki, in third place received the sum of NGN50,000. In addition to the above stated gifts, plaques were presented to both Panelist and Awardees for their immense contribution in participation and success of the event.
To color the event, Victoria Enabulele from Covenant Hall School presented a poem titled: ‘Wisdom’ and Nyizoma Mercy from the Victoria Island Secondary School recited another poem title titled: “Education for Relevance in a Changing World”. This session was followed by a musical presentation by the Covenant Hall School Band.
Due to the unwavering support by the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), Olam Nigeria Limited, Central Security Clearing System Plc (CSCS) and Kenna Partners, the Society was able to honour and recognize teachers as well as students who had distinguished themselves in the essay writing competition organised by the Society. This support is not taken for granted. Conclusively, the Society believes that through its various projects it would be able to build a more literate society where many can read, write and have access to a decent education.
