The Ekiti State Government, in collaboration with the World Bank-supported AGILE Project, on Wednesday rolled out the drums to honour students who made the state proud at the recently concluded AGILE National Games in Abuja.
The homecoming and presentation of gifts held at the Ministry of Education Hall, Ado-Ekiti, drew dignitaries from across the state’s education sector and beyond, including school principals, parents, and senior government officials.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Dr (Mrs) Olabimpe Aderiye, commended the students for being worthy ambassadors of Ekiti State.
The Commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Michael Omolayo, described their participation and achievements at the national level as “proof of what resilience, discipline, and the right support system can achieve.”
Dr. Aderiye made a special presentation of a wheelchair to Awelewa Eniola, a special needs student from Government Special School, Ido-Ekiti, whose artistic brilliance in painting earned her national recognition. She stated that the gift was facilitated through the kind support of the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Ms. Aisha Garba.
In her remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola, represented by the Special Assistant in the Governor’s Office, Mr. Steven Abimbola, described the event as historic.
“Today speaks to Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s unwavering commitment to inclusive education,” she said, calling Awelewa Eniola “a beacon of courage and talent.”
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Teaching Service Commission, Mrs. Rhoda Ojo, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Teaching Service Commission, Mr. Michael Boluwade, expressed pride in the students’ achievements and assured continued support for innovative educational programmes that groom 21st-century learners.
The Director-General of the Bureau of Civic Orientation, Mrs. Olawunmi Famuyiwa, congratulated the winners for upholding the values of hard work and integrity. “These students are the true face of Ekiti,” she said.
The Project Coordinator of AGILE, Mrs. Yewande Adesua, gave a detailed highlight of Ekiti’s outstanding performance across various categories in the 2025 AGILE Games. She noted that Bello Deborah of Egbeoba High School, Ikole-Ekiti emerged 1st Place Winner in the National Essay Writing Competition; and Awelewa Eniola of Government Special School, Ido-Ekiti received Special Recognition in the Visual Arts (Painting) Category, placing 4th nationally.
Mrs Adesua further stated that Ekiti Secured 2nd Place in Debate, Spelling Bee, and Girls’ Basketball; 3rd Place in Boys’ Basketball; 4th Place in Digital Literacy and Painting;while taking 5th Place in Environmental & Entrepreneurship.
“These students were not just participants — they were champions and change agents,” Mrs. Adesua stated, adding that AGILE is committed to identifying and nurturing exceptional talents from across the state’s secondary schools.
Goodwill messages also came from the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on the Federal Teachers Scheme, Hon Anifowose , and the Special Assistant to the Governor on Vocational and Technical Education, Venerable Atoki, who both acknowledged AGILE’s role in empowering students through practical engagement.
One of the key highlights of the event was the symbolic presentation of a plaque and personal award by Bello Deborah, who clinched 1st place in the national essay competition. Presenting the plaque to the Ministry of Education, she said:
“This honour belongs to every teacher, every policymaker, and every classmate who believed in me.”
Deborah’s principal, Mr. Ojo Joseph, described the award as a “defining moment for the school and the entire Ikole axis,” while her mother, Mrs. Margaret Bello, fought back tears as she thanked the government for the recognition.
Awelewa Eniola, on his part, smiled with visible joy as he received the wheelchair.
“I will now move faster to my painting classes,” he said.
His principal, Mr. Salami of Government Special School, Ido-Ekiti, said the moment was emotional and inspiring for the entire special needs community in the state.
His mother, Mrs. Mary Awelewa represented by Eniola’s teacher, described the gift as “a miracle,” noting that her son had long needed a new mobility support.
Parents of both students took turns to express gratitude to the AGILE project, the State Government, and the Federal Ministry of Education.
The ceremony wrapped up with group photographs as guests mingled in celebration of Ekiti’s rising stars.