Ede Prize for Language Unveils Board of Trustees

The EDE Prize for Language has announced its esteemed Board of Trustees. The board comprises individuals from various backgrounds and areas of expertise who bring unique knowledge and a strong commitment to promote indigenous literacy and culture preservation.

The Board of Trustees of the EDE Prize for Language include Dr. (Mrs.) Olufemi Ogunsanya, Otunba Lekan Bello, Mr. Rotimi Eyitayo, Alhaji Femi Omotayo, Ms. Yemi Adamolekun, Basheer Tosin Ashafa, Ms. Ugoma Ebilah, Mr. Wale Irokosu and Mrs. Nana-Aisha Ibrahim.

Dr. Ogunsanya, on his part is a former University of Lagos lecturer who founded Oxbridge Tutorial College in 1993. Oxbridge was Nigeria’s first Sixth Form College and is now the foremost specialised Sixth Form College. She is also the Chairman of the Boards of Governors of the Association of Private Educators in Nigeria (APEN), the Lagos Anglican Schools Management Board (LASMAB), and Igbobi College in Yaba.

Otunba Bello is the Group Managing Director at F&SCL. He started his professional career in 1978 with UBA. After several years in banking in various capacities, he left Fidelity Bank as General Manager in 1993 to establish the F&CSL Group, a stockbroking and financial services firm. He was appointed Commissioner of Finance for Ogun State in 2003, where he was responsible for policy formulation, budget implementation, revenue collection, and correct statutory allocation usage.

As the CEO and Managing Director of Teammasters Limited, Rotimi is a well-known speaker and change agent who has led retreats and strategy sessions for companies in and out of Nigeria.

Alhaji Omotayo is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 25 years of international oil and gas industry expertise. His extensive technical skills have catapulted him to Executive Management positions with international blue-chip companies such as Shell, Halliburton, AMEC, and Talisman Energy. After 18 years in Europe, he was appointed Managing Director of Orwell Oil and Gas International in 2000, guiding the company through a successful merger that resulted in AOS Orwell Limited, one of Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest indigenous oilfield service firms.

With strong roots in advocacy, Yemi Adamolekun is the current Executive Director of Enough is Enough Nigeria (EiE), a coalition of individuals and organizations committed to advancing good governance and public accountability in Nigeria through active citizenship.

Yemi has 20 years of diverse experience in the public and private sectors of the United States and Nigeria. She volunteers with the Kudirat Initiative for Democracy (KIND), which supports women’s rights, and Kaleyewa House, an elderly-focused non-governmental organization founded by her late mother. She is committed to educating and empowering Nigerians to understand their rights and responsibilities.

Basheer is a co-founder of Mezovest Ltd. Basheer is a serial entrepreneur with over 15 years of expertise in property development, marketing, and engineering/project management. He has also made substantial investments in construction, gas trading, logistics, capital markets, media, and technology. He is a true cultural custodian who is passionate about maintaining Yoruba culture through language, music, and art.
Perhaps Ms. Ugoma Ebilah needs no introduction. Ugoma is the founder and curator of BLOOM Art, a portfolio gallery and private art salon. She has produced and staged exhibitions for some of today’s most successful modern and contemporary artists. She also oversaw Nigeria’s largest private secondary market art sale to date.

Ugoma is widely acknowledged as a driving force in Nigerian art, having created several art and cultural initiatives for clients such as First Bank, Microsoft, Rand Merchant Bank, McKinsey, and Coronation. She is now launching Mbari Kola, a development center for artists and art fans.

A legal practitioner par excellence, Wale Irokosu is the Managing Partner, Probitas Partners LLP, a leading specialist law firm; Editor-in-Chief, Electricity Law Reports; and Creative Director, RapJointLagos.

Wale is a consummate public servant and currently serve on the Governing Council, Yaba College of Technology; Board of Governors, Ansar Ud-Deen Grammar School, Randle Avenue, Surulere, Lagos; Board of Trustees, Youth Party; and Culture Committee, Isale Eko Descendants’ Union.

Nana-Aisha is the registrar for the British International Primary School in Lagos. She holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Lagos. She is well-traveled and compassionate, with strong interpersonal and communication skills, and she works effectively with a wide range of constituents.

The EDE Prize for Language Annual Speaking, Reading, and Spelling Competition is a Yoruba speaking, reading, and spelling bee competition that aims to preserve and promote the Yoruba language. This is intended to be a unique platform that promotes Yoruba language proficiency and pride. There would be a strong emphasis on the Yoruba language’s rich cultural heritage and the importance of celebrating and preserving it.

“The appointment of these distinguished individuals to our Board of Trustees further underscores our commitment to excellence,” said Bobo Omotayo, the Prize’s Creator. “Their collective expertise and dedication to our mission will ensure the success and impact of the Prize.”

“In addition to enhancing the Indigenous Language Spelling Bee’s reputation, the esteemed members of our Board of Trustees will play an essential role in gaining stakeholder support. We are confident that with their help and leadership, we will be able to attract stakeholders that share our commitment to Indigenous literacy and cultural preservation.

Students from Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, and Osun states can compete for the prize in its inaugural year. Schools interested in participating can sign up their students for free at www.edeprize.com. Registration will close on Friday, March 29, 2024.