48 STUDENTS FEATURE IN OGUN SCHOOL POETRY ANTHOLOGY

No fewer than 48 students from public secondary schools across Ogun State have been featured in a new poetry anthology aimed at promoting literary talent and creative expression among young Nigerians.

The anthology, titled “Voices of Tomorrow,” was unveiled on Friday at a colourful ceremony held at the Ogun State Ministry of Education in Abeokuta. The collection showcases poems written by the students on themes ranging from patriotism, environmental conservation, love for education, to personal aspirations and cultural heritage.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, who launched the book, described the initiative as a bold step towards nurturing the next generation of writers and thinkers. “These 48 students have shown that our public schools are filled with talented young people. We must continue to encourage creativity and provide platforms for them to express themselves,” Arigbabu stated.

The project was coordinated by the Ogun State Library Board in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and a team of experienced literary mentors. The students underwent several workshops on poetry writing, editing, and creative thinking before their works were selected for the anthology.

One of the featured students, 15-year-old Miss Oluwatobiloba Adeyemi from Ijebu-Ode, expressed joy at seeing her poem in print. “I never thought my words would be published. This anthology has given me confidence to keep writing,” she said.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Mrs. Olasunkanmi Ogunleye, said the anthology will be distributed to all public secondary schools in the state to inspire more students to develop interest in literature.

Literary enthusiasts and education stakeholders have applauded the initiative, calling for similar projects in other states to promote reading culture and creative writing among Nigerian youths. The Ogun State Government has promised to sustain the programme and explore publishing more student works in the future.