The Executive Chairman of Ilorin South Local Government, Hon. Nuhu Majeed Podo, has joined family, associates and well-wishers to celebrate the Editor-in-Chief of FactualTimes, Mr. Oyewale Oyelola, on his 40th birthday anniversary.

The celebration, held at Crystal House, along Amodu Bello Way, GRA Ilorin, Kwara State, was marked with an Essay competition organized for students from six secondary schools across Ilorin South Local Government Area.

A total of 18 students participated in the intellectual contest, showcasing brilliance and academic prowess while competing for prizes provided by the celebrant.

In the individual category, Lawal Fatima of Government Senior Secondary School, Fate - Tanke emerged first position with 76 points, winning a laptop. Aminu Boluwatife of Senior Secondary School, Opolo came second with 70 points and also received a laptop, while Quozim Abdullahi clinched third position with 65 points, earning a cash prize of ?20,000 and a book.

In the school category, Government Senior Secondary School, Fate - Tanke emerged overall best with 64 points, followed by Senior Secondary School, Opolo with 60 points, while Senior Secondary School, Ero-Omo came third with 55 points.

Other participating schools include Government Day Secondary School, Agbabiaka; Fate Basic Secondary School; and Senior Secondary School, Olunlade.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Podo commended the teachers who accompanied the students, acknowledging their immense contributions to teaching, mentoring and nurturing the next generation. He lauded their dedication to educational development and urged them to sustain their commitment to students' academic growth.

The Chairman noted that the event also provided a unique platform for students to interact directly with him and draw attention to challenges confronting their schools. According to him, listening to the students firsthand offered valuable insights into critical areas requiring government intervention to improve learning conditions.

Hon. Podo congratulated Mr. Oyelola on his 40th birthday and praised him for choosing to celebrate in a manner that promotes learning, rewards academic excellence and amplifies the needs of schools at the grassroots.

He wished the celebrant good health, more wisdom and greater accomplishments in his personal and professional endeavours.

The event underscored the impact of community-driven initiatives in promoting academic excellence, appreciating teachers and drawing attention to the infrastructural and educational needs of schools in Ilorin South LGA.