Top 10 Essay Finalists Announced for Wole Soyinka Mentorship Session

The organisers of the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange (WSICE) have revealed the top 10 finalists from Ogun State in this year's national essay competition. This announcement comes ahead of an interactive mentorship session with Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka.

The finalists were chosen after judges reviewed the entries from secondary school students all over Ogun State. The information was shared in a statement by the organisers.

The winners for the first, second, and third prizes will be announced on 15 July during the 17th edition of the cultural exchange program, tagged WS@92, along with winners from other states.

Finalists

The Ogun State finalists are:

Faparusi Tioluwani, The Ambassadors School, Ota
Oseni Tolulope Nurudeen, Iganmode Grammar School, Ota
Adedokun Elemide Hilmoh, Adedokun International Schools
Aina Oluwadarasimi, Migration Model College, Ijebu-Ode
Olusanwo Precious Semilore, Iganmode Grammar School
Adegbola Mujibat, Alameda Grammar School (Senior), Ado-Odo
Iheme Praise Chinenye, Akesan Community Grammar School
Oladipo Nasir Ahmad, Ahmadiyya Science College
Akinnawonu G. Oluwabukunmi, Redeemer’s High School

Soyinka to Mentor Finalists

The organisers mentioned that the award ceremony is part of the “Do Your Own Thing” program, which is a key activity of this year's Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange.
Professor Soyinka is expected to meet the finalists, guide them, and lead a question-and-answer session. This session aims to promote critical thinking, creativity, leadership, and cultural awareness.

The students will also take part in cultural and educational activities during the program.
Linda Amadi-Olowookere, the producer of the youth program, called the interaction with the Nobel laureate one of the most awaited parts of the annual exchange.

She explained that it gives students a unique chance to engage directly with Africa's first Nobel Prize winner in Literature in a setting focused on learning, mentorship, and inspiration.

About the Competition

According to the organisers, the annual essay competition aims to spot and develop young writers while promoting good writing, civic responsibility, and the values Professor Soyinka has supported throughout his life.
Now in its 17th edition, the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange has become one of Africa's top cultural and educational platforms. It brings young people together through literature, the arts, civic engagement, and cultural discussion.