Segun Aina Foundation Urges Stronger Backing For Youth-Education Initiatives In Osun

-Celebrates 30th Anniversary

-Organises Interschool Essay Competition

-As Orimolade Community Grammar School, Ikirun Emerges First

By Tosin Olasunkanmi & Boluwatife Adedokun , Osogbo

The Segun Aina Foundation (SAF) has called on government and relevant stakeholders to increase support for academic and youth-development initiatives, saying such programmes are essential to improving literacy and academic confidence among public-school students in Osun State.

The Foundation’s Programme Officer, Iyanuoluwa Ogundipe, made the appeal on Saturday during the finale of SAF’s secondary school essay competition and career session held at the SAF Centre, Otan Ayegbaju, Boluwaduro Local Government area of Osun State, as part of activities marking its 30th anniversary.

Ogundipe said the competition was designed to challenge students mentally, bring them together, and help them discover their potential. She noted that the participants had spent between three and four months preparing for the contest, a process she said strengthened their research skills and academic discipline.

“This kind of initiative should be encouraged and supported,” she said. “It helps students learn, challenge themselves, and prepare better. If the government supports more of these initiatives, it will help improve literacy levels among public-school students.”

She added that the career session was aimed at guiding students, many of whom are in SS2 and SS3, to make informed decisions about their academic disciplines and future career paths.

SAF’s Assistant Programme Officer, Rukayat Adeola, also spoke on the deliberate focus on underserved communities.

“The rationale is to bring them together, identify their ideas, and give them the attention they have been denied,” she said. “Public-school students are among the most underserved, and this programme is helping us discover their creativity.”

Representing the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Teniola Lanlehin, her Personal Assistant, Solomon Obasola, commended the Foundation for its continuous investment in youth development.

He said the theme, ‘Harnessing the Power of Youth: Innovations for a Sustainable Future’, aligns with the state government’s commitment to nurturing creativity, digital skills and problem-solving abilities among students.

“Young people are not just leaders of tomorrow; they are innovators of today,” he said. “Innovation begins with curiosity, and the government will continue to support initiatives that prepare students for relevance in a changing world.”

During the career talk, physiologist and Foundation member, Dr. Tunde Oyebiyi, advised students to stay committed to their education and avoid philosophies that undermine their future.

“Some of them told me earlier that ‘education is a scam.’ That is a wrong philosophy,” he said. “With sound education and the right career choices, the sky will not even be your limit, it will be your starting point.”

He urged them to avoid distractions, truancy, laziness and examination malpractice, stressing that integrity and hard work remain the foundation of a purposeful life.

One of the essay finalists, Omoniyi Praise of Baptist High School, Iree, described the programme as timely, noting that many young people lack platforms to express themselves or build confidence.

“I wish we had programmes like this in every state,” she said. “Young people must realise they are the pillars of this country. Nigeria needs innovative minds, and youths must step into leadership instead of being used as thugs.”

Nine schools participated in the competition. Orimolade Community Grammar School, Ikirun, emerged first; Baptist High School, Iree, took second place; while Okinni High School came third.

Founded in 1994 and formally launched in 1995, the Segun Aina Foundation has spent three decades supporting education, youth empowerment and community development.