After countless hours of rigorous coaching, scores of intra-school
contests, six regional championships and one grande finale, the joy of
Kehinde Lawal and Idowu Ayomikun representing Lagos State could hardly
be contained after they emerged winners of the 2018 Lafarge Africa
National Literacy Competition. They know they are closer to achieving
their dreams in future. Ayomikun wants to become a psychotherapist while
Lawal wants to become a playwright like the special guest, Prof. Wole
Soyinka. “I was intimidated with the knowledge of fellow contestants
when I saw them for the first time, but as the competition progressed, I
got more confident,” Ayomikun said. “Now this victory has brought me
closer to my dream and I am sure I can achieve whatever I focus my mind
on.”
For
Lawal, it is a story of resilience and determination. “Last year, I
contested in the school level, but I could not qualify,” he explained.
“This year, I came in with more determination and experience and it
resulted in this victory. I thank Lafarge Africa for this opportunity
and I urge all other kids to keep trying their best. It will definitely
be rewarded just like mine has been rewarded now.” Parents and teachers
of the winners were also excited. They recounted the winners’ efforts
during preparation for the two-month long competition. For Mr. Osho, one
of Lawal's teachers present at the event, it was an estatic moment.
“These pupils have made me proud. I am the happiest person in the world
with this victory,” the teacher said. The organisers of the event and
special guests shared the joys of the moment.
Presenting
prizes to the winners, the Chief Executive Officer, Lafarge Africa,
Michel Puchercos applauded all the participants acknowledging all the
students who participated at every stage of the competition. He said:
“Apart from the cash prizes received, those who take part in this
competition go away with skills indispensable for building a sustainable
future. We recognize the importance of better literacy skills in
helping individuals succeed in life. The Lafarge Africa National
Literacy Competition builds capacity and contributes to developing this
much needed skill in public primary school students across
Nigeria. “Seeing states like Gombe, Nasarawa among some others here, I
am sure that the battle against illiteracy… can be won,” Wole Soyinka
said.Though only two out of the thousands of pupils who competed emerged
as winners, all who took part benefited from the competition. As part
of the preparation for the competition, all the students are coached in
spelling, pronunciation, essay and summary writing. In this way,
overall, the competition builds capacity, and contributes to improving
literacy of pupils in public primary schools. More photos below...
