The Ayo Fatokun Foundation has staged the maiden edition of the Ayo Fatokun Oratory Contest 1.0, drawing 16 public secondary schools from across Oyo to debate the dangers of the growing get-rich-quick culture among Nigerian youth.
The event brought together prominent dignitaries, education stakeholders and community leaders, including former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Asimiyu Alarape; the Vice Chairman of Olaoluwa Local Government in Osun State, Chief Akin Salaam Ejalonibu; Mr Akin Alawode, Special Assistant to the Governor of Oyo State on Oyo Federal Constituency; and Alhaja Mojirade Adebayo, a PDP chieftain in Oyo. Local Inspectors of Education from the four participating local governments were also in attendance, alongside school administrators, teachers, parents and volunteers.
Welcoming guests, the General Manager of the foundation, Miss Olanike Olatunde, described the contest as a platform for transformation rather than mere competition.
“Today is not just an event; it is a movement of voices, ideas and transformation. We live in a time where wealth is glorified, patience is mocked and process is ignored. Social media amplifies overnight success without revealing the discipline and integrity required to build sustainable success.”
She conveyed the goodwill of the foundation’s Chairman, Ayotunde Fatokun, noting that although he was unable to attend, the initiative reflected his enduring commitment to youth development.
“This gathering is a reflection of his deep love for young people and his unwavering commitment to societal development. His passion is the reason we are all here today.”
“The theme of the contest, “The Dangers of a Get-Rich-Quick Culture to Nigerian Youth,” was deliberately chosen to address pressing social concerns.”
Miss Olatunde warned that increasing pressure on young people to acquire wealth quickly had contributed to fraud, internet scams, ritual crimes, substance abuse and moral compromise.
“We want our youth to understand that success is not defined by speed but by substance. Wealth without character is dangerous, and shortcuts often cut short destinies. True wealth is built on knowledge, discipline, consistency and integrity.”
She added that the competition was designed to foster critical thinking, self-awareness and public speaking skills among students.
“By giving each participant the opportunity to stand up, to be heard and to be seen, we are nurturing confident and resilient young leaders who will stand firm in their values,” she said.
Miss Olatunde expressed hope that the initiative would spark lasting change, adding that: “May this event inspire transformation, spark meaningful conversations and plant seeds of lasting impact in every heart present here.”
The judging panel comprised Rt Hon Alarape; Architect Idris Animasaun, Lead Architect at LOCUM Consults; and Alhaji Abiola Ogungbade, Principal of Amao Group of Schools, Akingbile-Moniya, Ibadan.
They commended the contestants for their eloquence and depth of analysis on a subject affecting young people nationwide.
Participating schools came from Oyo East, Atiba, Oyo West and Afijio local government areas, including Olivet Baptist High School, Oranyan Grammar School 1, Ladigbolu Grammar School 1, Awe High School and several others.
At the close of the contest, Olaniran Favor of Oranyan Grammar School 1, Oyo, emerged winner, receiving a laptop, school bag and cash prize, while the school was presented with a trophy and cash award.
Adeniyi Christian of Ladigbolu Grammar School 1, Oyo, claimed second place and received a tablet, school bag and cash gift, with his school also earning a trophy and cash prize.
Third place went to Oluwaleye Esther of Olivet Baptist High School, who was awarded a tablet, school bag and cash gift, as her school also received a trophy and cash prize.
