By Itohan Abara-Laserian
Lagos, Dec. 19, 2025 – In a significant commitment to grassroots development, the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO) has sponsored a dynamic inter-primary school debate competition within the Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Area of Lagos. This initiative, a core part of NAHCO’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy, underscores a corporate philosophy that looks beyond airport tarmacs to the foundational education of future leaders.
The Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Olumuyiwa Olumekun, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to impactful community projects. Represented at the prize-giving ceremony by the Assistant General Manager, Corporate Communications, Mr. Tayo Ajakaye, Olumekun positioned the debate within NAHCO’s broader community intervention framework. “Our commitment extends across various needs,” the statement implied, citing past projects like borehole water installations, support for internally displaced persons, and enhancements to educational infrastructure. This debate, therefore, is not an isolated event but a strategic investment in human capital, targeting the cognitive and communicative development of children in its host communities.
The competition, themed ‘Inspiring Young Voices, Building Tomorrow,’ was more than an academic exercise. It served as a practical platform for primary school pupils to hone critical 21st-century skills: structured thinking, persuasive public speaking, and confident self-expression. In an era dominated by digital communication, fostering articulate verbal discourse from a young age is invaluable. The event cultivated healthy intellectual rivalry, boosted participants’ confidence, and provided experiential learning that transcends traditional classroom boundaries.
Mr. Kehinde Almaroof, Chairman of Oshodi-Isolo Local Government, commended NAHCO’s initiative. “This is really very impressive and we must thank NAHCO for this initiative,” Almaroof stated, urging for sustained sponsorship and more frequent competitions organized by the Local Government Education Authority. This endorsement highlights the vital role of public-private partnerships in complementing government efforts in educational enrichment.
The finalists delivered excellent performances, with Mafoluku Primary School emerging victorious. State Primary School, Oshodi, secured second place, followed by Oshodi Model Primary School in third, and Larinde Primary School in fourth. To tangibly support the schools’ development, NAHCO attached substantial monetary prizes to the rankings: the winner received ₦500,000, the second-place school ₦300,000, and the third-place school ₦200,000. These funds are poised to directly benefit the winning institutions, potentially being channeled into library resources, learning aids, or infrastructure improvements.
NAHCO’s sponsorship of the Oshodi-Isolo debate exemplifies how corporations can play a transformative role in community development. By identifying and nurturing young talent, supporting educational bodies, and fostering essential soft skills, the company is actively participating in “Building Tomorrow”—one young, inspired voice at a time. This model offers a blueprint for other organizations seeking to create lasting, positive impact within their operational locales.
(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
