The Ayo Fatokun Foundation has successfully hosted the maiden edition of its Oratory Contest, tagged Ayo Fatokun Oratory Contest 1.0, for selected public secondary schools across Oyo town.
The event held at Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo, brought together students, educators, community leaders, and development advocates from across the state.
Speaking at the event, the Foundation’s General Manager, Miss Olanike Olatunde, described the contest as more than a competition, noting that it represents a movement of voices, ideas, and transformation.” She conveyed the goodwill of the Foundation’s Chairman and vision bearer, Ayotunde Fatokun, whose absence, she said, did not diminish his commitment to youth development and societal transformation.
Miss Olatunde emphasized that the initiative was designed to empower young people with critical thinking and public speaking skills while addressing pressing social issues affecting Nigerian young population.
The contest featured 16 public secondary schools drawn from Oyo East, Atiba, Oyo West, and Afijio Local Government Areas. Participating schools included Olivet Baptist High School, Abiodun Atiba Memorial Secondary School, St. Bernadine’s Girls Grammar School, Oranyan Grammar School I, Alaafin High School, Ladigbolu Grammar School I, Ansarudeen Grammar School, Awe High School, Ilora Grammar School, and others.
The theme of the competition, “The Dangers of a Get-Rich-Quick Culture to Nigerian Youth,” sparked robust and thought-provoking presentations from the students. According to the organisers, the theme was chosen to address the growing societal pressure on young people to acquire wealth rapidly, often at the expense of integrity, patience, and character.
Miss Olatunde warned that the glorification of instant wealth has exposed many youths to negative influences such as internet fraud, substance abuse, and moral compromise. She stressed that the Foundation is committed to reshaping mindsets by promoting value-based success, discipline, and purpose-driven living.
The panel of judges included Asimiyu Alarape, former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly; Architect Idris Animasaun, Lead Architect at Locum Consults; and Alhaji Abiola Ogungbade, Principal of Amao Group of Schools, Ibadan. They commended the students for their confidence, depth of analysis, and eloquence.
Several dignitaries graced the occasion, including Chief Akin Salaam Ejalonibu, Vice Chairman of Olaoluwa Local Government, Osun State; Mr. Akin Alawode, Special Assistant to the Governor of Oyo State on Oyo Federal Constituency; and Alhaja Mojirade Adebayo, a Peoples Democratic Party chieftain in Oyo. Local Inspectors of Education from the four participating local governments were also in attendance.
At the end of the keenly contested event, Olaniran Favor of Oranyan Grammar School I, Oyo, emerged winner of the first position, receiving a laptop, school bag, and cash prize, while her school went home with a trophy and cash reward.
Adeniyi Christian of Ladigbolu Grammar School I, Oyo, clinched the second position and won a tablet, a school bag, and a cash gift, with a corresponding prize for her school.
The third position was secured by Oluwaleye Esther of Olivet Baptist High School, who also received a tablet, school bag, and cash prize, alongside awards for her school.
The Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing confident, ethical, and purpose-driven young leaders, expressing hope that the contest would inspire lasting impact and positive change among students across Oyo State.
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