SkillUp Ibarapa Initiative Trains 600 Students on Reading Skills, Distributes Brochure and Free Notebooks

The SkillUp Ibarapa Project, founded by the Member, Oyo State Youth Parliament (2nd Assembly) representing Ibarapa Central/North State Constituency – Hon. Olatunji Oluwatobiloba had on Thursday 10th of October, 2024 organized an outreach for Senior Secondary School Students in Igboora & Ayete, Ibarapa zone of Oyo State.

The event which took place in respective order at Igboora High School, Igboora and Ayete Grammar School, Ayete is the second edition and the aim is to equip students with reading skills according to the Convener – Hon. Olatunji.

He further disclosed that during the first edition, his team could visit about five schools across the constituency to train them on technical skills such as content writing and graphics designing.

Furthermore, while addressing the students, he mentioned that, “this year, my team is focused on training 600 students on the importance of reading and sharing the stories of successful people in their careers due to reading.”
“We have decided to come here today to build the capacity of the next generation of leaders. Readers are leaders and for your parents to send you to School, they believe so much in your ability to succeed. You will be listening to the stories of our facilitators, who have achieved success by cultivating the habit of reading. Reading makes you a better person, and it is your responsibility as a student to read because your parents are investing in your future.”

In his presentation, Mr Olabokunde Temitope (Farmer and Lead Partner iGreen Agro-Allied Partners) shared his story with the students on how reading made him a successful farmer, as he didn’t study Agriculture or anything related to it while in School. Still, he became a trained and successful farmer by reading and learning about it. He mentioned that reading builds confidence, putting one at the leading edge of the career ladder.

He encouraged the students to be intentional about reading because, according to him, readers rule the world.

“Dear students, check the time now; it is time for you to take charge. Take charge of your future by investing in it through reading.”

In their separate remarks, Hon. Babalola Ademola (Member Representing Ido State Constituency, Oyo State Youth Parliament) and Miss Oluwatosin Ipadeola (Educationist) charged the students to be good ambassadors of their respective families and the nation at large. Using their stories to motivate the students, they highlighted practical ways to cultivate the habit of reading, encouraging them to be consistent and persist in reading.

The students received free notebooks and a brochure written on “How Reading Shaped Me” by Ola Olaoluwa (Filmmaker & Actor); “Reading To Leading: The Secrets of How Leaders are Made” by Hon. Temiloluwa Oyeniyi Member Representing Egbeda State Constituency of the Oyo State Youth Parliament (2nd Assembly); “Reading: A winning Tool For Academic Excellence” by Akintola Samuel (Pragmatic Teacher, Marriage Counsellor and Founder, The Gateway Church).

The students were also given some books; “The Incident” Written by Moyinoluwa Ezekiel and “The Child of Grace” written by Deborah A. Kester

While addressing the organizers, the Principals and Senior Prefects of both schools appreciated the efforts of the SkillUp Ibarapa Team, respectively. They encouraged them to continue to build the capacities of future leaders.

The training featured an engaging and interactive Ice-Breaker and booking reading session facilitated by Mrs Blessing Olatunji (Fraud/Reconciliation Analyst).

The event which partnered ReelPoint Studios, Akintola Samuel, iGreen Agro-Allied Partners, Clem Adeeso Studios, The Moyin Sage Company, Teens Banquet, Bara Eden Limited, Timileyin Adegoke Photography was anchored by Hon. Adebayo Akinola (Member representing Ogbomosho South, Oyo State Youth Parliament).