16/04/2025
OFFICIAL OPENING SPEECH DELIVERED BY DR TUNMISE AYODELE AT THE GRAND FINALE OF THE TUNMISE AYODELE FOUNDATION ESSAY COMPETITION
Good morning, everyone.
To our royal fathers, honourable commissioners, permanent secretaries, and political office holders here with us today, thank you for coming.
To our principals, teachers, and the amazing students gathered here, I am honoured to stand before you.
To the wonderful team at TAF, my dear friends, and family members present, thank you for being here.
And to my loving wife and children who are watching live from the United Kingdom, I see you, I feel your support, and I love you.
Thank you all for being part of what I believe is a truly important moment for education in Ekiti.
I call it an education event because that is exactly what it is. This gathering is a celebration of our students, our youth, and the next generation of leaders across secondary schools in our dear state.
Over the past few weeks, these young leaders have used their voices, not necessarily through the pen, but through the keyboard, to share thoughts on leadership and education in Nigeria.
What they produced has been inspiring. Some of the essays I read personally stood out in such powerful ways.
One name I must mention is Godwin, the student who came first in this competition. His work was so outstanding that our secretariat received a direct message from the reviewers, describing him as a hidden gem somewhere in the heart of Ekiti State.
That is exactly why this platform exists, to showcase talent, to raise hope, and to affirm that brilliance lives here in our communities.
When I founded this organisation, my goal was simple. I wanted to push for health equity, educational access, and social justice. And honestly, I love how far we have come so far.
Not long ago, in fact, last July, we were right here in Ikere, engaging students at my alma mater, African Comprehensive College.
We spoke about resilience. We told them to keep pushing no matter what life throws their way.
So, being back here today feels very personal for me.
And it means even more because my parents, Pastor and Pastor Mrs Lawrence Ayodele, are here today.
Daddy, Mummy, no one in this room knows my educational journey the way you do. You lived it with me. You carried the weight. And I hope you are proud of what you have helped build.
Everything you see today is a reflection of your sacrifices. I am forever grateful.
To every student who participated in this competition, thank you. Your effort gave this event meaning. Without you, there would be nothing to celebrate.
To the principals and teachers of the schools represented, thank you as well. Thank you for giving these young people a platform to shine.
These are the hopes we live for. These are the dreams we are working to build. And I hope you know you are shaping the future of this state and this country.
To all our invited guests, I am grateful. I know your days are packed. Your presence here, on a Wednesday morning, says a lot. It tells me that you are invested in the future of Nigeria and in these students we are celebrating.
Before I hand over to the next part of today’s event, I want to share something powerful.
Our dear former governor, His Excellency Dr Kayode Fayemi, once said, “If we as citizens choose not to play a part in the process of developing our communities and our country, we will get the politicians we deserve.”
That quote has stayed with me. And I want all of us, especially the students, to hear it again.
You must always play your part in building Nigeria. Because if you do not, you will have to live with the choices of those who do, even when they do not mean well.
As for me, I will continue doing my part. Through this foundation. Through our projects in Ekiti, Nigeria, and even in the United Kingdom. That is my commitment.
Let me end by appreciating my incredible team. This event would not have happened without you. A very special thank you to Tosin, my executive assistant, who worked diligently, alongside every member of our team, to make today a success.
I see what you do. I appreciate every bit of it.
To everyone here, please stay connected with us. Follow our work on social media. Reach out with your ideas. Support us if you can.
Together, let us keep creating opportunities for the next generation.
Thank you once again for being here. God bless you, and I hope you enjoy the rest of the day.
