LRF Visits Ajibode Grammar School, Ibadan

Reading: Great Readers Make Great Leaders – LRF Visits Ajibode Grammar School, Ibadan .

Date of Visit: Thursday, 20 November 2025.

Hours Spent: 2 hrs, 30 mins

Attendance: 256 pupils and 6 teachers

Personnel of the Literary Renaissance Foundation (LRF):

Mrs Hajia Olabisi Olasupo

Miss Kikelomo Olagoke

Session Summary

LRF volunteers arrived at the school by 7:30 a.m. as scheduled and waited through the assembly, which ended at 8:00 a.m. Afterwards, the students were marched to the school hall for the commencement of the day’s programme.

The outreach programme commenced at exactly 8:05 a.m., after the students had settled in the hall. Hajia Olabisi introduced the Literary Renaissance Foundation (LRF) to the students and stated the purpose of the school visit. She also explained the vision and mission of LRF, and the students were asked to read these from the roll-up banner displayed at the front of the hall. The passion of the founder, Mr Babatunde Oladele, who is committed to encouraging Nigerian youths to read again, was also emphasised to the students, who represent the hope for the future transformation of the nation.

Miss Kikelomo then took over the podium and sensitised the students on the importance of reading. According to her, reading is a key source of personal development and has a significant impact on academic excellence. She emphasised that reading broadens one’s knowledge, improves critical thinking, strengthens communication skills, and cultivates discipline.

Through reading, students can develop a deeper understanding of the world around them, make informed decisions, and become better prepared for future leadership roles. She also shared her personal experiences of cultivating a reading culture from a very early age and provided tips on how to become a good reader, emphasising that good readers become great leaders.

Finally, she encouraged the pupils to read diligently, reminding them that reading is the sure path to success and greatness. She concluded the session by inviting some students from across the classes to come forward and read from any text of their choice.

Each successful reader was gifted the book they had read from. Other students who answered questions correctly were also given pens as incentives. In total, about twelve students received pens, while three were given literary texts, including prose, drama, and poetry. Two students who struggled with pronunciation were guided through the correct pronunciation of the words, allowing them to learn and improve.

It was a quality and rewarding time for the students, who participated actively throughout the programme, demonstrating eagerness to engage with the activities. Their interest was evident not only in their attentiveness during the session but also in the thoughtful responses they gave during the interview with Miss Kikelomo afterwards.

Two students mentioned how the programme had encouraged them to appreciate the value of reading. Noteworthy among the responses was that of Adebowale, a J.S.2 student, who insightfully stated, “When we stop reading, we stop learning.” His comment reflected the key message of the programme and the importance of cultivating a reading culture.

Conclusion

Hajia Olabisi thanked the school for hosting LRF and presented book gifts to the school, which were received by one of the Vice Principals, Mrs Vincent. The outing was another successful programme for the LRF Ibadan team.

Long live LRF!

Also Read: LRF School Outreach to Ajibode Community High School