Ondo@50: Gov. Aiyedatiwa Rewards Winners of Essay Competition at Gala Night
Winners of the Ondo State @50 Essay Competition were officially unveiled yesterday at the prestigious Gala and Awards Night held to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Ondo State.
The essay competition, initiated by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Empowerment and Job Creation, Ambassador Orioye Benedict Gbayisemore, has been described as a strategic platform aimed at empowering youths in the state while promoting academic excellence and intellectual development.
Participants were tasked with writing an essay of about 500 words, projecting their dream of what Ondo State should look like in the next 20 years, with due consideration to the ongoing developmental strides being undertaken by the Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa-led administration.
Following a keenly contested process, three outstanding youths emerged as winners. Mr. Raphael Korede Akarakiri emerged as the overall winner, while Mr. Philip Balogun Eyimofe and Ms. Alabi Aina emerged as the first and second runners-up respectively.
The overall winner received a whooping of ₦2,5000; 1st Runner Up awarded with ₦2,000,000; and the 2nd Runner went home with ₦1,500,000. The winners were presented with their cheque awards by the Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, during the Gala and Awards Night held at the International Culture & Event Center (The Dome), Akure, on Tuesday, 3rd February, 2026.
Organisers also disclosed that other categories of participants will be rewarded with a laptop and ₦100,000 each, further underscoring the administration’s commitment to investing in education and youth development.
While congratulating the winners, Ambassador Orioye Benedict Gbayisemore expressed deep appreciation to Governor Aiyedatiwa for his support and commitment to the growth and empowerment of youths across the state. He noted that the initiative was designed to inspire young people to pursue opportunities both in academics and skills acquisition, while positioning themselves for a brighter and more competitive future.
He further encouraged Ondo State youths to remain hopeful and prepared, stressing that the future holds enormous opportunities for those willing to develop themselves and take advantage of available platforms for growth in Ondo State.
Gbayisemore also remarked that the Ondo State Golden Jubilee celebration reflects of the state’s journey so far and a renewed call for purposeful investment in the next generation.
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