OAU Hosts Ile-Ife Reads Annual Competition to Commemorate Wole Soyinka’s 90th Birthday

The Ile-Ife Reads annual competition celebrated Professor Wole Soyinka’s 90th birthday at Obafemi Awolowo University, showcasing talent and academic excellence.

Jul 9, 2024 - 16:29

OAU Hosts Ile-Ife Reads Annual Competition to Commemorate Wole Soyinka’s 90th Birthday

In commemoration of Professor Wole Soyinka’s 90th birthday, the Ile-Ife Reads annual competition commenced with an energetic audition at the Conference Centre of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. This event, themed “Enrich, Educate & Enlighten,” aimed to celebrate and inspire young minds through a showcase of talent, creativity, and academic excellence.

Event Highlights:

Participants: Schools from various regions, including OAU Staff School, Divine School, Moremi High School, Sunshine School, and OAU International School, participated, with a total of 11 schools in attendance.
Performances: The competition featured a captivating playlet and spoken word session, with two talented girls delivering a powerful rendition of Soyinka’s “Telephone Conversation,” earning applause from the audience.
Musical Interlude: A musical performance of “I Love My Country” by Wole Soyinka added to the festive atmosphere, with the audience joining in a heartfelt rendition of “Happy Birthday” to honor Soyinka.
Art Exhibition: A young student showcased artwork related to the event’s theme.
Drum Session: Participating students led a lively drum session, further enhancing the celebratory mood.

Competition Results:

Drama Competition:
- Third Position: Sunshine Nursery and Primary School
- Second Position: Oranmiyan Memorial Grammar School
- First Position: OAU Staff School
Other Competitions:
- Third Position: The Author School (specific competition not mentioned)
- Second Position: Moremi High School
- First Position: Christ Way High School
Essay Competition:
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- Senior Class:
  - Third Position: Number 0107
  - Second Position: Number 0134
  - First Position: Number 0108
- Junior Class:
  - Third Position: Number 0076
  - Second Position: Number 0075
  - First Position: Number 0077 (Awarded #20,000)
- Primary School:
  - Third Position: Number 0052 (Awarded #5,000)
  - Second Position: Number 0080 (Awarded #15,000)
  - First Position: Number 0084 (Awarded #20,000)

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Awards and Prizes: Judges awarded certificates and cash prizes to participants who excelled in the essay, drama, and other competitions. Additionally, every school present received book prizes, ensuring all participants benefited from the event.

This annual competition not only celebrated the literary genius of Professor Wole Soyinka but also encouraged young students to aspire towards excellence in their academic and creative endeavors.