By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

The Moses Adekoyejo Majekodunmi Foundation, has called on well meaning Nigerians and corporate bodies to complement the efforts of the government in developing the primary schools education sector in the country.

The Executive Secretary of the foundation, Moses Adekoyejo Majekodunmi Foundation, Mr Richard Uwayzor, made the call while speaking with journalists at the grand finale of the 3rd edition of the MAMF Creative Challenge with the theme “Inspiring Innovation Through Education and Creativity” held at Ijaola Majekodunmi Memorial Building, Ajitadun, Abeokuta.

Over 300 public primary schools across the state were said to have submitted entries for the competition out of which 30 schools participated in the first stage after which 15 finalists emerged for the grand finale.

According to Uwayzor, “at this level of basic education, the minds of these children are still fresh, it is their formative years and their brains are also open to great ideas, so any investment that will help catch them young and provide a very strong foundation and sense of direction for a great future deserves the support of all”.

Speaking on the essence of the educational intervention, Uwayzor explained that the competition provided a good platform for the kids to express their creativity, develop their critical thinking skills while also boosting their self confidence even as they perfect their communication skills and art of public speaking.

He said, “the truth is that there is a lot of hidden talents among the pupils of public schools in the state but platforms like this provide opportunities for them to express themselves while they are also spotted for reward and scholarship to go higher in their studies.

“Catching them young from primary to secondary schools is helpful here because these are their formative years, so we must all double our investment in this sector of the education, it will help to prepare a solid foundation for a great future for these kids, it will also help resolve the challenges of social vices that the children may pick up around this time for not being in school.

“Their minds is still very fresh and open to lots of ideas. So I will use this opportunity to call on other spirited individuals and organizations to support the efforts of the government in these areas because it is obvious that the government can’t do it all alone”.

Uwayzor urged the pupils to take their studies seriously and never feel inferior to their colleagues attending private schools adding that they should from their tender age purposed to be great in life.

On his part, the State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Abayomi Arigbabu lauded MAMF for deeming it fit to partner with the government to give the young ones a solid foundation for a brighter tomorrow.

Prof. Arigbabu, who was represented by Okeleye Olarotimi, Deputy Director of Education from the Ministry said that the competition will no doubt help to sharpen the pupils’ skills in story telling, critical thinking while also developing a creative mind that is a powerful tool in problem-solving among others.

While congratulating the participants for their resilience, courage and display of academic brilliance, the Commissioner said that the state government remains committed to putting in place policies and projects that will always aid qualitative education and put the children in good stead for a better future.

He said, “as we applaud the winners today, let us remember that every idea matters, every voice counts, and every spark of creativity can light the way to something extraordinary.

“I encourage all of you winners and participants alike to continue to dream, to create, and to challenge the status quo even as you remain the pride of our dear state and your parents in no distant future”.

At the grand finale, Oguntade Hassan from Odeda Local Government Primary School emerged the overall best winning a cash prize of N250,000, Toriola Fridaus from Methodist Primary School, Ago Oko, Abeokuta came second and received a reward of N150,000 while Farombi John from Muslim Model Nursery and Primary School, Ago Oko, Abeokuta came third and got 100,000.