Educare Trust Hosts 19th Quiz Nigerianna to Celebrate Nigerian Heroes, Promote Nation Building

 

EDUCARE TRUST HOSTS 19TH QUIZ NIGERIANNA TO CELEBRATE NIGERIAN HEROES, PROMOTE NATION BUILDING

 

By Wole Adedoyin

In a dynamic move to foster national pride and empower young minds, Educare Trust, Nigeria, is set to host the 19th edition of its flagship educational programme, Quiz Nigerianna, a unique event that honours the legacies of Nigeria’s past and present heroes and heroines across various sectors.

The contest is scheduled to begin with zonal competitions from 3rd June to 26th June, 2025, culminating in the grand finale on 11th July, 2025, at the A–Z Hall of Educare Trust Youth Centre, 10 Concorde Lane, Aerodrome GRA, Samonda, Ibadan.

Designed as an intellectual celebration of Nigeria’s national heritage, Quiz Nigerianna aims to expand students’ understanding of both current affairs and historical milestones. Through this annual contest, Educare Trust seeks to position knowledge as a pivotal tool in nation building and youth empowerment.

In a statement made available to the press, Mr. Folorunsho Moshood, Programme Director of Educare Trust, emphasized that the initiative is much more than a competition. “It is a platform to deepen patriotism among students, educate them about Nigeria’s diverse history, and inspire them through the stories of our national icons. It prepares a new generation to actively participate in public life and developmental processes.”

The quiz competition brings together secondary school students from various geopolitical zones in Nigeria, promoting unity, academic excellence, and cultural consciousness. Contestants are quizzed on a wide range of topics including Nigerian history, geography, politics, arts, science, and profiles of impactful Nigerian personalities.

Founded on the pillars of youth and community empowerment, Educare Trust has consistently championed the cause of sustainable development through education and civic participation. The organization’s mission aligns with its vision to promote health, democracy, good governance, and leadership, while also engaging youth in meaningful, year-round practical activities.

Educare Trust’s guiding principles remain clear: to strengthen Community and Youth Development programmes, encourage youth participation in public discourse, and forge collaborations with local and international partners for broader developmental impact. The Quiz Nigerianna is one of the vehicles through which these goals are realized, offering a platform for holistic youth development.

Over the years, Quiz Nigerianna has become a respected educational brand, known for not only testing knowledge but also fostering critical thinking, public speaking, and team-building skills among young Nigerians. Past participants have gone on to achieve success in academic and civic fields, attributing part of their journey to the confidence and exposure gained through the contest.

This year’s edition promises to be more engaging with added features such as mentorship sessions, documentary screenings, and exhibitions on Nigerian history. The goal is to ensure that young Nigerians not only learn history but are inspired to contribute to writing the next chapters of the nation’s story.

Educare Trust invites schools, educators, parents, and stakeholders in youth and community development to support and participate in this enlightening event. For a better Nigeria, the time to educate, empower, and inspire the youth is now.

 

Oyo Library Board Hails Makinde's Six Years of Transformative Leadership

 

OYO LIBRARY BOARD HAILS MAKINDE'S SIX YEARS OF TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP

 

The Oyo State Library Board, under the leadership of Hon. Yemi Taiwo, has congratulated His Excellency, Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, FNSE, on the occasion of his sixth year in office as the Executive Governor of Oyo State.

In a statement released today, the Board commended the Governor’s unwavering dedication to good governance and transformative leadership, which has significantly improved the lives of citizens across the state.

Since assuming office on May 29, 2019, Governor Makinde has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and socio-economic growth. His administration’s achievements have set a benchmark for excellence, earning him widespread acclaim and reinforcing public confidence in his leadership. The Oyo State Library Board lauded the Governor’s visionary policies, which have fostered inclusive development and positioned the state as a model of progress in Nigeria.

The Board particularly highlighted Governor Makinde’s investments in education and knowledge empowerment, describing his efforts as revolutionary. Under his leadership, libraries across Oyo State have witnessed remarkable upgrades, ensuring that residents, especially students and researchers, have access to quality learning resources. This commitment aligns with the Governor’s broader agenda of promoting literacy and lifelong learning as catalysts for societal advancement.

Hon. Yemi Taiwo, Chairman of the Oyo State Library Board, praised the Governor’s resilience in overcoming governance challenges while maintaining focus on delivering people-centered projects. He noted that the Governor’s ability to navigate complex issues with wisdom and determination has been instrumental in sustaining the state’s growth trajectory.

In his remarks, Mr. Awotona Samuel Olukayode, the State Librarian, expressed gratitude for the Governor’s consistent support for the library system. He emphasized that the administration’s policies have not only revitalized public libraries but also integrated digital learning tools, making information more accessible to underserved communities.

As Governor Makinde marks this milestone, the Oyo State Library Board reaffirmed its commitment to supporting his vision for an enlightened and empowered citizenry. The Board pledged to continue collaborating with the government to enhance educational initiatives and expand library services to all corners of the state.

The statement also acknowledged the Governor’s humility and approachability, qualities that have endeared him to public servants and civil society organizations alike. His open-door policy and willingness to engage with stakeholders have fostered a culture of transparency and accountability in governance.

Looking ahead, the Board expressed optimism that the Governor’s next phase of leadership would bring even greater achievements. It called on citizens to continue supporting the administration as it works towards fulfilling its promises and elevating Oyo State to new heights of prosperity.

The congratulatory message concluded with prayers for divine wisdom, good health, and continued success for Governor Makinde as he steers the affairs of the state. The Board joined millions of well-wishers across Oyo State in celebrating this historic milestone and wishing the Governor more years of impactful service.

 

APGA Rejects Call for State of Emergency in Osun, Blasts Senator Ajibola Basiru

 

APGA REJECTS CALL FOR STATE OF EMERGENCY IN OSUN, BLASTS SENATOR AJIBOLA BASIRU

 

The Osun State Chapter of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has strongly condemned the call by Senator Ajibola Basiru, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), urging President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Osun State. APGA described the call as reckless, undemocratic, and an attempt to destabilize the peace and progress of the state.

In a statement issued by the State Chairman of APGA, Wole Adedoyin, the party expressed deep disappointment in Senator Basiru's statement, stating that such a call is unpatriotic and does not reflect the reality of governance in Osun State. APGA believes that rather than advocating for extreme measures, political leaders should promote peace, stability, and dialogue in resolving any perceived issues within the state.

APGA emphasized that Osun State has remained relatively peaceful under the current administration, and there is no justification for declaring a state of emergency. The party accused Senator Basiru of playing politics with the security and welfare of the people of Osun, warning that such inflammatory statements could incite unnecessary tension and unrest.

The party further noted that the APC-led federal government should focus on addressing the economic and security challenges facing Nigeria as a whole rather than targeting Osun State for political reasons. APGA insisted that governance should not be reduced to partisan propaganda aimed at discrediting opposition-led states.

According to Wole Adedoyin, APGA views the call for a state of emergency as a desperate move by APC elements who are still struggling to come to terms with their loss in the last governorship election. He stressed that the people of Osun State have made their choice, and attempts to undermine that choice through undemocratic means will be resisted by all lovers of democracy.

APGA urged the federal government to disregard Senator Basiru’s call and instead focus on supporting the Osun State government in its developmental efforts. The party reiterated that Osun does not need political distractions but rather collective efforts towards good governance and economic development.

Furthermore, APGA called on security agencies to remain professional and avoid being used as tools for political witch-hunts. The party also urged Osun residents to remain vigilant and reject any attempt to create an atmosphere of fear and instability in the state.

The statement also challenged Senator Basiru and the APC leadership to provide concrete evidence of the so-called security threats warranting a state of emergency. APGA noted that such baseless calls only expose the desperation of those who refuse to accept democratic outcomes.

APGA reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles, good governance, and the collective interest of Osun citizens. The party assured residents that it would continue to speak against any undemocratic move aimed at subverting the will of the people.

 

OCF Promotes Library Advancement During Zonal Library Visit

 

OCF PROMOTES LIBRARY ADVANCEMENT DURING ZONAL LIBRARY VISIT

By Wole Adedoyin

The Ogbomoso Community Foundation (OCF), led by its Leader, Major General Oladayo Popoola (rtd.), embarked on a significant visit to the Oyo State Library Board’s Zonal Library at Sunsun, Ogbomoso South Local Government, on Friday, December 20, 2024. The visit aimed to assess the current state of the library facilities, explore opportunities for enhancement, and strengthen support for the library’s role in the community.

Upon arrival, the delegation was warmly received by the Director of Public Library Services, Alhaja Sekinat Akanbi, who represented the Chairman of the Oyo State Library Board, Hon. Yemi Taiwo. During the visit, the library's operations and its services to the local community were highlighted through a detailed presentation.

In his remarks, Major General Oladayo Popoola (rtd.) reiterated the Foundation's commitment to improving educational resources in Ogbomoso. He emphasized that libraries are crucial pillars of community development, serving as hubs of knowledge, learning, and empowerment. "Our goal is to ensure that libraries in Ogbomoso are equipped to inspire and educate the next generation," he stated.

Prof. Segun Ajiboye, another prominent member of the Foundation, encouraged the Zonal Librarian, Mrs. Ayano Kehinde, to create promotional materials to increase community awareness about the library’s resources. He stressed the need for the library to reach a wider audience, particularly nearby institutions and schools, to ensure maximum utilization of the available resources.

Dr. Saka Balogun proposed including the library's enhancement on the agenda of the Foundation’s next meeting. He announced plans for a fundraising initiative dedicated to addressing the library’s pressing needs, emphasizing that collaborative efforts could make a substantial difference.

During the tour of the library, the OCF delegation viewed a collection of books recently donated by Book Aid International, London. The materials, which span diverse disciplines, were highly appreciated by the visiting team, who commended the library’s efforts in providing resources that cater to varied interests and educational needs.

The visit reinforced the Foundation’s recognition of local libraries as vital instruments of community growth and education. By strengthening its partnership with the Oyo State Library Board, the OCF aims to enhance access to information and tools essential for learning and personal development among Ogbomoso residents.

The delegation also included notable figures such as Engr. Abu Salami, Dr. Tayo Alayande, Prof. Funmi Adelowo, Hon. Chief Mrs. Bimpe Martins, Prof. J.A. Aderinto, Dr. Adebayo Busari, and Elder A.A. Ladiran. Their presence underscored the significance of the visit and the collective commitment to library advocacy.

Media representatives, including Mr. Aderemi Akanmu of BCOS and Mr. Lanre Badmus of Parrot FM, accompanied the delegation to document the event. Their coverage ensures that the Foundation’s message reaches a broader audience, inspiring more stakeholders to join the cause of library enhancement in Ogbomoso.

The Ogbomoso Community Foundation’s visit marks a pivotal step in fostering a culture of reading and learning in the community, with hopes of inspiring further action to elevate the library's impact on education and literacy.