By Omowumi Hannah, Ibadan
Several influential politicians, scholars, experts from various disciplines, entertainers, and leaders of associations are expected at the 5th Edition of the Journalist Olawale Ogunbusola School Competition, Public Lecture and Awards.
The education and awards event will hold at the prestigious National Museum of Unity, Aleshinloye, Ibadan, on Thursday, October 29, 2026.
In a press statement, Pastor Tayo Olatunji, Chairman of the organizing committee and elder brother of the convener, a reporter with Silverbird Television News, said this year’s event will serve as a medium to postmortem the nation’s socio-economic issues, including insecurity and the influence of global war on the Nigerian economy.
He added that for the last four years, the initiative has served as a template for government reforms and professional solutions, noting that deeper diagnosis this year will help to materialize the nation’s due prosperity.
The annual 3-in-1 event brings together students, experts, and stakeholders, and also confers awards of excellence on individuals who have contributed positively to various sectors of the nation.
Olatunji announced three professionals to lead the topical discussions. They are: Acting HOD and Senior Lecturer, KolaDaisi University, Ibadan, Oluwatoyese Oyetade; International Security and Forensic Expert, Dr. Yusuf Oladele; and Chief Executive Officer, Max-African Publishers, Mr. Ayodeji Alimi. They will speak on “Global War on Nigeria’s Economy”, “State Police”, and “Effect of Piracy on Creative Economy” respectively.
Some of the expected dignitaries include: Chairman, House Committee on Works, Federal House of Representatives, and Member, Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency, Hon. Akin Alabi; Deputy Majority Leader and Member, Egbeda State Constituency, Hon. Samson Babalola; Oyo ADP Gubernatorial Candidate, Hon. Kunle Olatunji; Auditor, Yari 774 Initiative For Asiwaju, Oyo State Chapter, Hon. Temitope Olawoyin.
Others are Secretary, Oyo State Trade Union Congress, Comrade Babatunde Balogun; Chairperson, Customs Wives Association of Nigeria, Oyo/Osun Area Command, Mrs. Omowumi Adewole; South West Director, NCMM, Mrs. Oriyomi Pamela Otuka; Chief Coordinator, Catch Them Young Initiative, Mrs. Ayodeni Aluko (Iseya); and former President, National Association of Polytechnic Students and President, National Coalition of Oduduwa Students, Comrade Benedict Olalere, among others.
The Chairman emphasized that 25 individuals will be honored, including: Chairman, NUJ Correspondent Chapel, Oyo State, ‘Yinka Adeniran; Former SSA on Print Media to Bayelsa Governor, ‘Soji Ajibola; Professional Accountant and Politician, Comrade Olawale Olaleye; Retired Principal, CHS Airport, Mrs. Monsurat Abiola Olajire; Reporter, The Nation Newspaper, Segun Showunmi; Head of Programmes, Adamimogo 105.1FM, Olusina Olabode (Omoyashina); Adeola Bankola of Fresh FM, captains of industry, groups, and others.
The event, which is open to all well-meaning individuals, will commence at 9:30 a.m. Ogun-based Afrobeat musician, David Awatt “K Dray”, will provide interludes.
Meanwhile, the organizers are seeking continued support before, during, and after the event to sustain educational assistance for out-of-school and indigent young people through the initiative.
“This is a divine mandate. However, we seek your support. You may reach us through 08064214675, or waseyori2@gmail.com, with kind, material, or cash donations,” the statement concluded.