The Ajoke Aishat Afolabi Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting education and youth development as it rewarded winners of its 11th National Essay Competition held in commemoration of the 2026 Children’s Day celebration.
At the grand finale of the competition held on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ikeja, 15-year-old Sharon Iwala, an SS2 student of Majesty Height Model College, Ota, Ogun State, emerged overall winner among 10 finalists selected from over 200 entries nationwide.
The essay competition, themed “Building Character Versus Causing Trauma: Strategies for Effective Discipline in Schools,” featured oral presentations and elimination rounds before winners were announced.
Iwala defeated Anuoluwapo Mudasir of Vetland Senior Grammar School, Agege, Lagos, and Oluwatoyosi Adeleye of Murtala Muhammed Airport Secondary School, Ikeja, who emerged first and second runners-up, respectively.
The overall winner, Iwala, received a laptop and other gift items, while her school was presented with a projector. The first and second runners-up received an air tablet and a smartwatch, respectively.
