…As the Organisation Rewards Excellence at 2026 World Book Day Celebration in FUNAAB_
The auditorium of the Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies (CENTS), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), came alive with excitement, intellectual energy, and youthful brilliance as the Budding Leaders Empowerment Initiative (BUDLEIN) hosted a grand celebration of World Book Day 2026, re-igniting the power of reading and spelling as catalysts for national development.
Held under the theme, “Reading for Pleasure,” the literacy-focused event attracted pupils, students, teachers, librarians, education stakeholders, community leaders, volunteers, and development partners from across Ogun State in a remarkable gathering that combined education, mentorship and talent discovery.
The programme featured a wide array of activities, including Spelling Bee contests, reading competitions, mentoring, and the presentation of prizes to outstanding participants.
Representing the Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, the Executive Director of the Ogun State Library Board and Chairman of the Nigerian Library Association Public Libraries Section, Mr. Vincent Giwa, commended BUDLEIN for its steady commitment to literacy promotion, children and youth development.
He described reading culture as a critical pillar for building future leaders and intellectually vibrant communities, noting that initiatives such as the BUDLEIN Spelling Bee and Reading Competition, to commemorate the 2026 World Book Day, were helping to rekindle children’s interest in books and lifelong learning.
Earlier in her Welcome Address, the Executive Director of BUDLEIN and Dean of the College of Biosciences (COLBIOS), FUNAAB, Prof. Iyabode Kehinde, expressed appreciation to participants, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters whose contributions ensured the success of the programme.
She particularly acknowledged the steadfast support of the Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde and Board Members of BUDLEIN since the initiative’s establishment in 2019, stressing that the organisation remains committed to advancing literacy, innovation, environmental sustainability, and youth empowerment under two campaigns; Every Child Counts and Youth Impact campaigns.
Also speaking at the event, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development) and Executive Director of Sliden Africa, Prof. Kola Adebayo, applauded BUDLEIN’s consistency in shaping young minds through impactful educational interventions.
The Guest Speaker and University Librarian of Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Dr. Abosede Ajiboye, challenged participants to cultivate a strong reading habit by committing to reading at least 10 pages of a book daily, describing reading as an indispensable tool for personal growth and leadership development.
Similarly, the University Librarian of FUNAAB, Prof. Abayomi Owolabi, represented by Dr. Bosede Akintola, encouraged participants to maximise library resources and embrace reading beyond classroom requirements.
One of the major highlights of the event was the keenly contested spelling bee and reading competitions, which showcased the intellectual brilliance, confidence, and eloquence of participating pupils and students across primary (junior) and secondary (senior) school categories.
The atmosphere inside the auditorium was electrifying as contestants demonstrated exceptional reading fluency, pronunciation skills, vocabulary strength, and composure before an enthusiastic audience.
Among the outstanding winners were Oladeji Ayomiposi of Yomfield Nursery and Primary School, Abeokuta who emerged winner of the Junior Reading Competition category, and Oluwajomiloju Ayodeji of Foursquare Secondary School, Abeokuta, clinched the top position in the Senior Reading Competition category.
In the Spelling Bee competition, Idowu-Agida Murewa of Apostolic Faith Nursery and Primary School, Abeokuta emerged winner in the Primary category, while Kayode Oluwanifemi of Faith Heritage Secondary School, Abeokuta, secured first place in the Secondary category.
Meanwhile, the success of the event was made possible through the support of several organisations and partners including Flour Mills of Nigeria, Golden Penny Foods, Mide Farms, The Book Company Limited, Narrative Landscape Press, WinninSpread Books, Abayomi Oluwatosin Jiboku Foundation, Nourished Choice Foods, Dodopho Consultancy, Doit Consultancy Services, JOATEM and Sliden Africa.
With the successful hosting of the 2026 World Book Day celebration, BUDLEIN has further strengthened its reputation as a leading platform for educational advancement, youth empowerment, and community transformation in Nigeria.
