The Budding Leaders Empowerment Initiative (BUDLEIN), a youth-focused non-governmental organisation, marked the 2025 World Book Day today with a lively Spelling Bee and Reading Competition, drawing pupils and students from across Ogun State to the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB).
Held at the university’s Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies auditorium, the event carried the theme “Discovering New Worlds: How Books Spark Imagination Beyond Screens” and sought to ignite a passion for reading, literacy, and creative exploration among young minds.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, was Prof. Emmanuel Idehen, Academic Coordinator of the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology (OYSCATECH), who in his goodwill message praised BUDLEIN for its ongoing commitment to youth development.
“Events like this ignite the passion for reading and lifelong learning, which are essential ingredients for nurturing tomorrow’s leaders,” Prof. Kehinde stated, encouraging the children to embrace the joy of books and imagination.
Executive Director of BUDLEIN and Dean of the College of Biosciences, Prof. Iyabode Kehinde, warmly welcomed the attendees, extending thanks to participants, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters. She gave special recognition to her husband, the Vice-Chancellor, who also serves on BUDLEIN’s board, for his unwavering support since the organisation’s founding in 2019.
Prof. Kehinde reaffirmed BUDLEIN’s mission to promote literacy, innovation, environmental sustainability, and community growth through its signature campaigns such as *Every Child Counts and Youth Impact
The competition highlights included enthusiastic performances by contestants, motivating words from mentors, and joyful celebrations as winners were announced.
In the Reading Competition (Primary Category), first place went to Charis Osiboye of FUNAAB Staff School, followed by Adeoye Adedunni of SeMerc Elementary School and Olugbeje Faith of Foursquare Nursery and Primary School. In the Senior Category, Tijesunimi Tanimonure of The Chosen College clinched first, ahead of Odusote Oluwalayomi of Babcock Academy and Glory Adegoke of Precious Treasures College.
The Spelling Bee (Primary Category) saw Akande Timilehin of Brighterville School take the top prize, followed by Ojo Oluwatofunmi of FUNAAB Staff School and Emmanuel Omidiran of Arish Group of Schools. In the Secondary Category, Victor Ogunrinu of De Dames College emerged champion, with Oluwagbamila Oreaanu of Federal Government Girls College, Sagamu, and Odunfa Price of Arish Group of Schools coming second and third respectively.
Beyond trophies, certificates, and cash prizes, every child went home with a book, while under-resourced schools received donations of school uniforms and full sponsorships for some students advancing from primary to secondary school.
Sponsors of the event included Bounty Press Limited, The Book Company Limited, Genius Books Publishers, Mide Farms, Dodopho Consults, Fan Milk, Honeywell Foods, Sliden Africa, and Abayomi Oluwatosin Jiboku Foundation, all contributing to the initiative’s success.
The event aligned with Sustainable Development Goals #SDG4 (Quality Education) and #SDG17 (Partnerships for the Goals), underscoring the power of collaboration in building brighter futures for young learners.