Oando Marketing Writing Competition Produces Winner

By Funmi Ogundare

A medical student of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, Dr. Racheal Adeyeye, has emerged winner of the maiden edition of Oando Marketing Writing Competition with the theme, ‘Environmental Sustainability’, designed to encourage literary skills development and eco-friendly attitude among Nigerians.

Adeyeye’s essay was selected among 150 entries and judged on quality of writing, strength of the analysis, grammar, punctuation, layout and audience appeal. She received a cheque of N400,000.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, the Head of Marketing Communications, Mr. Seun Adeosun, said the competition was aimed at affecting lives and educating people, adding that the initiative came as a result of the changing standard of literary skills largely driven by the proliferation of digital age.

“We find that the level of communication is gradually degrading. We organised the competition to give our consumers an opportunity to express themselves by writing on a topic that has a global appeal and impact on the world.”

He said the initiative is part of his oragniation’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), adding that the theme revolved around climate change and the solutions available for developing countries to adopt earth-friendly actions.

Adeosun said since the competition commenced in February, the feedback had been impressive, adding that his organisation intends to continue with it in the coming years with a view to improve literary skills and communications; and build stronger leaders out of Nigerians.

In her response, Adeyeye, who expressed delight about her success, said though it was a bit challenging writing on climate change, she entered the competition not with the intention of winning, but to broaden her knowledge. She dedicated her success to God, adding that her family members were supportive when she was writing it.

“I got my sister to proof read and correct some grammatical errors for me, and my younger brother assisted me to type, and another cousin of mine helped me to convert from Microsoft Word to PDF. My family was really there for me.”

She thanked Oando for creating such platform for creative minds and encouraged it to continue with the competition. She also advised the youths to reduce the time they spend on social media.

“If there is really anything that has watered down English Language, it is because of the use of words on social media, you see a lot of wrong English on social media these days, nobody really sits down to check what the textbooks are saying. That has accounted for the high failure rate in examinations. People should be on social media to be informed.”