The National Association of Akungba Students (NAAS), National Body, has held its first-ever essay competition aimed at promoting academic excellence, creativity, and intellectual development among students of Akungba.
The competition, which marked a major milestone for the association, was hosted by Comrade Adedayo Yetunde Stella, popularly known as Joyfulheart, and sponsored by High Chief Ayodele Asefon, the Atunluse of Emure-Ile, Owo.
The grand prize presentation ceremony took place at the Palace of the Alale of Akungba and attracted traditional rulers, students, and other stakeholders from within and outside the community.
After a rigorous assessment of entries, participants emerged in various categories. The first position was won by Asefon Abdulganey Stephen of the University of Ibadan, who received ₦150,000.
The second position went to Arogundade Ayomide Emmanuel of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), who was rewarded with ₦100,000, while Azeem Ayyatullah of Greater Tomorrow International College, Ikare-Akoko, came third and received ₦75,000.
In addition, all participants who attended the event were given ₦5,000 each as a token of encouragement.
Speaking at the event, His Royal Majesty, Oba Isiaka Oseni Adu Odundun Asodedero, Agure I, represented by High Chief Babatude Israel Ogunjemito, the Alagure of Ilale, commended the sponsor for his commitment to educational development.
The monarch urged students to remain focused on academic excellence, noting that more educational interventions and bursary opportunities would be introduced in due course.
In his remarks, the sponsor, High Chief Asefon, represented by Mrs Asefon, expressed appreciation to the organiser for successfully coordinating the competition. She prayed for continued strength, wisdom, and resources for her to sustain developmental initiatives benefiting students.
The host, Comrade Adedayo Yetunde Stella (Joyfulheart), expressed gratitude to the royal father for his support and fatherly encouragement, as well as to all dignitaries and stakeholders who attended the event.
She also presented an Award of Excellence to High Chief Asefon in recognition of his contributions to the success of the programme, describing him as a pillar of support and development-oriented leadership.
However, she expressed concern over the low turnout of students at the competition and urged Akungba students to take greater interest in academic and intellectual engagements, stressing that education remains a key tool for personal and societal development.
The NAAS essay competition, according to organisers, is expected to become an annual initiative aimed at nurturing intellectual capacity and rewarding academic excellence among students.
0 Comments