Three teenagers secure educational scholarships at Oyo teen conference

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A youth development organisation, Talk Up Tribe, has awarded scholarships and educational support to three teenagers at the second edition of its annual conference, Summer SpeakFest, held at the Ibadan Business School, Oyo State, on Saturday.

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In a press statement shared with our correspondent on Wednesday, the organisers said the event featured a scholarship ceremony where an SS1 student of Oritamefa Baptist Model School, Oluwatomiyin Oyelade, got a ₦120,000 scholarship, while an SS2 student of Federal Government College, Oyo, Mary Adebaba, received ₦100,000. Oladipupo Damilare, a student of Bishop Onabanjo High School, also got a Senior WAEC scholarship.

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The scholarships were presented as part of the conference, themed “Amplifying Teen Voices,” which brought together 105 teenagers for a day of sessions on confidence, communication, financial literacy and creative expression.

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The programme featured a keynote session on confidence and communication, a financial literacy session facilitated by Union Bank Nigeria, a film screening and conversation with the Ibadan Indie Film Awards, a panel discussion, and a talent showcase.

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The Convener of Summer SpeakFest, Orenimi Olawuyi, said the scholarships reflected the organisation’s commitment to ensuring its programmes create tangible opportunities for young people, beyond inspiration alone.

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“Nigeria’s development is ultimately a human development story. Infrastructure, technology and economic growth are important, but the people who will build, manage and sustain these systems must also be equipped.”

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She added, “The investment we make in their confidence, communication, creativity, critical thinking and sense of responsibility today will influence the kind of society we have tomorrow.”

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A participant, 19-year-old Obasanjo Adeleke Oba, who had previously attended the organisation’s virtual cohort, said the in-person experience deepened his communication skills.

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“From attending the cohort virtually to being present at Summer SpeakFest, it was a lovely experience. I was able to understand the fundamentals of proper communication and build more confidence in expressing myself.”

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Keynote speaker Osarennoma Saba commended the organisation for creating platforms for young people to access mentorship and exposure.

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“Young people do not always get access to this kind of exposure, so I truly appreciate Talk Up Tribe for creating this community.”

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