In line with goal number four of the sustainable development goals; which preaches education for all especially the children, the Education Community Development Service Group of the Ila Local Government Area has organised a quiz competition to enhance the educational standard of her host community.
The competition which was held on the 3rd of February, 2022, at the Igbonibi City Hall, Ila-Orangun, had in attendance twelve schools, the Permanent Secretary and Tutor General, Osun Central Education District Office (OCEDO), Ila-Orangun, Mr Adelani Aderinola, who was represented by Mr Dare Alabi; the Deputy Director, OCEDO, Mr A.O. Agboola and Mr Akin Oyerinde, the Assistant Director, OCEDO, the Executives of the Ila Local Government; Comrade Odewale Yinka, the Council Manager; Alhaji Oyeleke, the Head of Department, Finance; Mr Odeyinka and Mrs Esan Alabi Funmilayo, the Head of Department Social Development, who was represented by Mrs Olaiya Ayobami.
The Group organised the quiz competition amongst the senior secondary schools in the local government area to encourage the students to study hard and also to reward excellence.
Mr Omololu Omojowolo, the Local Government Inspector, in his opening speech appreciated the Group for coming up with such a laudable innovation aimed at improving the intellect of the students in the host community.
He also appreciated the local government authorities and well meaning Ìlà indigenes who supported the corps members in casfh or kind toward the actualisation of the project.
He charged the students to see the competition as a wake-up call to embrace hardwork and diligence in their academic pursuit.
“The targeted schools were informed of the competition in December 2021 to allow them effectively prepare their students for the inter-school debate competition which we all are here for today”, he added.
He concluded by wishing the competitors good luck and admonishing them that they are all winners regardless.
At the end of the competition, Ila Technical College came first; the school got a merit award, 7,000 naira for each of the contestants, notebooks and other gift items. In second place was Al-Huda College, Ila and the contestants got a sum of 4000 naira each, as well as, notebooks and other gift items. Ajagunla Grammar School came third with each of the contestants going home with the sum of 3,000 naira and other gift items.
Other highlights of the event include free computer training granted to eleven students at Dr. Iyiola Oyefara e-Library, amongst which included some of the participants as well as active students hand-picked from the audience during the debate program, sponsored by Mr Omotayo Babalola, Director, Igbomina Today Resource Centre, Ila-Orangun and Publisher, Igbomina Today Magazine.
He offered to pay the JAMB registration fees and also provide free JAMB tutorials for seven of the contestants who are currently in the final classes and preparing for exams.
At the end of the event, the corps liaison officer gave the vote of thanks while the closing remark was given by corps member Ebueku Osayamen, President of the Group; who urged the students to continue in their quest for knowledge which according to him will add immense value to their lives and could eventually change the world for the better.
He thanked the teachers as well, for their input in preparing and prepping the students who are the future of the nation.