Second Edition of the Ife North Annual Scholarship and Essay Competition (NASEC) has taken place on Wednesday May 7, 2025, in Asipa town. This annual event, sponsored by Engr. Gbenga Owolabi, a philanthropist originally from Asipa, is open to both public and private secondary school students across Ife North Local Government Area.
The competition was held at the Asipa Community High School Hall and marked a significant milestone in the history of the town.
During her welcoming address, Mrs. Ajayi Olubunmi, the host principal of the school, expressed her gratitude for the generous contributions made by Engr. Owolabi, acknowledging the positive impact of the competition on his alma mater.
While speaking with Journalists, the Philanthropist, who is a former student and past Senior Prefect of Asipa Community High School, shared his lifelong dream of giving back to society. He expressed his gratitude for the realization of this dream and emphasized that his aim in sponsoring the competition is to inspire young individuals in Origbo Mejeeje to achieve higher educational goals just as he clarified that his philanthropic efforts are not politically motivated.
The Osun State Commissioner for Education, Honorable Dipo Eluwole, offered commendations on behalf of the state government, praising Engineer Owolabi for his contributions to the education sector and expressing confidence that initiatives like this would foster continued growth in Osun’s educational landscape.
The Deputy Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Oyewusi Akinyode Ireyode, also commended the initiative, praising Engr. Owolabi as a compassionate brother dedicated to shaping the future of students in Ife North Local Government. He was accompanied by Hon. Kasope Abolarin and Hon. Abiola Awoyeye.
In attendance were royal figures, including HRH Oba Mufutau Oyekanmi, Alasipa of Asipa, and HRH Oba Dr. Mesach Oyediran, Olulamokun of Yakooyo, who offered prayers for Engr. Gbenga Owolabi’s continued prosperity and longevity.
The competition saw participation from 94 students across 24 schools, both public and private. In the essay writing category, Asipa Community High School emerged victorious, winning ₦200,000. Origbo Community Unity School, Ipetumodu, secured second place with a cash prize of ₦150,000, while L.A. Grammar School, Ipetumodu, took third place with ₦100,000.
In the quiz competition for public schools, Oyebode Abosede claimed first place and a prize of ₦250,000. Abiodun Kabirat followed in second place with ₦200,000, and Abdulsalam Tunde placed third with ₦150,000. Students finishing in the fourth position and below received tangible cash prizes as well.
For the private schools segment of the quiz competition, Taiwo Darasimi finished first, receiving ₦150,000, followed by Adeboye Ifeoluwa in second place with ₦100,000, and Akinyemi Emmanuel in third with ₦90,000. All participants were generously rewarded with cash scholarships to enhance their educational pursuits.
The organizing committee, item developers, examiners, invigilators, and teachers also received recognition and rewards from the benefactor, for their contributions to the event’s success.
