Oyo Librarian Salutes Head of Service on Her Birthday

 **OYO LIBRARIAN SALUTES HEAD OF SERVICE ON HER BIRTHDAY**

The Oyo State Librarian, Awotona Samuel Olukayode, has congratulated the Head of Service of Oyo State, Chief Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, mni, on the joyous occasion of her birthday celebration. 

In a goodwill message released on Saturday, Awotona described Chief Mrs. Oni as an inspiring, dynamic, and visionary leader who has continued to elevate the standards of the state’s civil service with uncommon dedication and commitment.

According to the statement issued from the office of the State Librarian, Awotona commended Chief Mrs. Oni for her selfless service, unwavering integrity, and the transformational leadership style that has made her a beacon of excellence among civil and public servants in Oyo State. He noted that her tenure has been marked by professionalism, innovation, and a renewed sense of purpose within the workforce.

"Happy Birthday to a truly inspiring and amazing leader. On this special day, we extend our warmest greetings and heartfelt felicitations to Your Honour, Chief Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, mni, our esteemed Head of Service of Oyo State. Your unwavering dedication and exemplary leadership have significantly contributed to the advancement of our State and its civil service,” Awotona said.

Awotona emphasized that under Chief Mrs. Oni’s able leadership, the Oyo State civil service has witnessed increased productivity, improved morale, and a greater sense of unity and teamwork among government workers. He added that her open-door policy and people-oriented approach have earned her widespread respect and admiration across ministries, departments, and agencies.

He further noted that Chief Mrs. Oni’s impact is not only evident in the administrative reforms she has championed, but also in her personal commitment to mentoring the younger generation of civil servants, encouraging professionalism, and promoting gender equity in public service.

"As you celebrate another year of life, may you continue to inspire us – civil and public servants of Oyo State – with your vision and commitment to excellence. We wish you abundant joy, good health, and success in all your endeavors," Awotona added in his congratulatory message.

The State Librarian also praised Chief Mrs. Oni for being a supportive figure to knowledge-based institutions like the Oyo State Library Board. He stated that her understanding of the importance of information access and education has been instrumental in the Library Board's continuous growth and relevance.

On behalf of the staff and management of the Oyo State Library Board, Awotona conveyed his best wishes to the Head of Service, praying that her new age brings renewed strength, divine wisdom, and continued grace to serve the people of Oyo State with even greater impact.

The congratulatory statement concluded with a resounding birthday message: “Happy Birthday from all of us at the Oyo State Library Board. May your days be long, your joy full, and your legacy lasting.”

Educare Trust Remembers, Pays Tribute to Kolapo Godfrey Oyefeso (1960–1999)

 

EDUCARE TRUST REMEMBERS, PAYS TRIBUTE TO KOLAPO GODFREY OYEFESO (1960–1999)

 

By Wole Adedoyin

Educare Trust, a youth and community development centre dedicated to promoting sustainable development through education, civic engagement, and empowerment, has remembered one of its pioneer members, Kolapo Godfrey Oyefeso (1960 – 1999). Oyefeso, who served as the first Assistant Secretary of the Trust, remains a shining light in the history of the organisation. His life, though brief, continues to inspire generations of young leaders and writers across Nigeria.

In a statement released by the Programme Director of Educare Trust, Mr. Folorunsho Moshood, the organisation described Kolapo Oyefeso as a visionary youth leader and a literary gem who left an indelible mark on the minds of all who knew him. “Kolapo was not only a dedicated youth worker but also an exceptional writer who used his craft to promote moral values and cultural heritage,” the statement read.

A gifted scholar, Kolapo Godfrey Oyefeso graduated with First Class Honours at the remarkable age of 19 and went on to become an award-winning author. Tragically, he passed away on May 27, 1999—Children’s Day—at the young age of 39. His death was a profound loss not only to Educare Trust but also to the larger literary and youth development community.

To honour his memory and contributions, Educare Trust named its central library the Kolapo Oyefeso Bookateria, a space dedicated to learning, reading, and intellectual growth. The Bookateria remains a living tribute to Oyefeso’s passion for books and education, and serves as a constant reminder of the values he championed during his lifetime.

Kolapo Oyefeso is the celebrated author of The Goddess of the Kitchen and Other Stories: Folktales from Africa, a vibrant collection of twenty folktales that promote moral teachings through African storytelling. The stories, accompanied by vivid illustrations from his wife, Rosalie-Ann Modder, explore themes such as kindness, humility, and justice using animal characters like the tortoise, elephant, crocodile, and baboon.

He also authored The Wind and the Tree, a short but insightful work published in April 2000 by Spectrum Books Ltd. Though less well-known, the book adds to his literary legacy and exemplifies his commitment to storytelling as a tool for societal development and transformation.

Educare Trust urges the youth of today to emulate the values Kolapo Oyefeso stood for—academic excellence, social responsibility, and the courage to use one's talents for the betterment of society. As the Trust continues to grow in its mission, the memory of Kolapo Godfrey Oyefeso remains deeply embedded in its foundation and spirit.

 

Educare Trust Holds 19th Quiz Nigerianna to Foster Patriotism and Academic Excellence Among Students

 

EDUCARE TRUST HOLDS 19TH QUIZ NIGERIANNA TO FOSTER PATRIOTISM AND ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AMONG STUDENTS

 

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 Applauds Six Years of Visionary Governance under Makinde

 

OYO LIBRARY BOARD APPLAUDS SIX YEARS OF VISIONARY GOVERNANCE UNDER MAKINDE

 

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.