By Elizabeth Chimobi
The Lekki Admiralty Lions Club, District 404 A3, has launched an essay writing competition aimed at public school students aged 8 to 15.
The competition, named the Lion Abidemi Olawumi Essay Writing Competition in memory of a late club member, aims to empower young minds by enhancing their writing and reading skills.
Deacon Lion Adewale Akingboye, President of the Lekki Admiralty Lions Club for the 2024/2025 Lion’s year, emphasized the club’s dedication to humanitarian efforts, particularly in the areas of youth development and education.
“This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the educational growth of young people in our community,” Akingboye said. “We will be awarding prizes to the top three students to encourage and inspire them. Additionally, we plan to donate books to every participant to help boost their reading culture.”
A total of seven public schools participated in this year’s competition, with three students representing each school, totaling 21 participants.
The competition is specifically tailored to public school students to help improve their English language skills, addressing challenges in language proficiency often observed within this group.
Lion Stella Ugbodu Atanosen, the Region Chairperson of the club, highlighted concerns over the declining reading culture among children in the digital age.
She noted that this trend was a key motivator for initiating the essay competition. “The culture of reading is gradually disappearing. Good reading habits start at home, and rather than allowing children to spend all their time on video games, parents should encourage them to read more,” she said.
“Developing this habit will benefit children in the long run, helping them become well-rounded individuals in society.”
Atanosen further explained that the focus on essay writing for public school students is a strategic choice to sharpen their English reading and writing skills.
“Many students, particularly in public schools, struggle with proper English. This competition is designed to address that gap,” she added.
President Akingboye also called on both public and private sectors, as well as government agencies, to support and partner with the club in its mission to empower youth through education.
The competition culminated in an award ceremony where the top three students were honored with prizes. All participants received books as gifts, reinforcing the club’s commitment to fostering a lifelong love of reading and learning among young people.