FAMFA Oil Limited hosted its annual Literacy Day on the 6th of March 2020 at the City Hall in Lagos. The program was themed ‘Readers are Leaders’ and empowered students inclusive of teachers from low fee-paying primary schools in Lagos State. Following the success of the World Book Day-Fuelled by FAMFA in 2019, The FAMFA Oil Literacy Day (FOLD) continues to educate pupils in primary schools on the need to read books, thus enlightening them that reading is an essential part of leading.
The program commenced with the National Anthem and an opening remark by FAMFA Oil Limited, Vice Chairman, Mr Folorunso Alakija. In addressing the audience, Alakija stressed the importance of knowledge, stating that literacy is the bedrock of education which enables children to discover and develop their full potential in life, thus empowering them to be leaders. In speaking further, she explained that literacy plays a major role in reducing poverty as well as inequality, creating wealth which is an impetus for economic growth in Nigeria.
Guest readers at the event were Managing Director, EnergyInc. Advisors, Mrs Rolake Akinkugbe-Filani; Managing Director of Amber 11 Media, Mr Oscar Gbemileke; renowned Media Personality Ms. Ada Ogunkeye and Africa’s Peak Performance Coach, Mr. Bankole Williams who all creatively read along with the children from chapters of the Book written by Child Author, Miss Oluwatofunmi Ayomikun Lawal , titled: ‘The First Female Ruler of L’Eko. The reading was followed by a FOLD Quiz based on the storybook, which tested the attentiveness and intelligence of the pupils. The contest was anchored by Quiz master, Mr Oscar Gbemileke.
Sponsors of the program includeded, the Association for Formidable Education Development, Airtel Nigeria, Cadbury Nigeria Plc, Digital Reality Print who were the official print sponsors of the event, Guaranty Trust Bank, Mission Pink Cruise, Nigeria Spelling Bee, Primera Foods Nigeria Limited, SoYummy Nigeria, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Sweet Sensation Confectionery Limited and Upbeat Recreation Centre.
Other activities of the day included a drama presentation by Proud African Roots, that showcased the resilience of an orphan in receiving educational empowerment which resulted in him rising to leadership within his community. The stage performance was followed by a Spelling competition, run by Nigeria Spelling Bee which further aided the pupils in developing their vocabulary.
The winner of the FAMFA Oil Literacy Day Spelling Competition was Oscar Elizabeth of BODMAK Solid Beginning School. Wisdom Jackson of Godsave Nursery & Primary School and Ogungbeje Janet of Ken-Ade Private School emerged as the first and second runners-up respectively. The three finalists will further compete with other contestants at the South West Regional Level. The best speller will proceed to the National Level, representing Nigeria at the 2020 Africa Spelling Bee competition in November.
The FAMFA Oil Literacy Day is an educative corporate social responsibility initiative fuelled by FAMFA Oil Limited to foster a reading culture among children in primary schools, empowering them to lead through the exercise of their creativity, now and in their future careers or industries.
