15-year-old pupil emerges one-day Reps member in Ibarapaland

By Adejayan Gbenga –

Haruna Suliat Adeola, a student of Okedere High School, Idere in Ibarapa Central Local Government Area of Oyo State, has emerged as a one-day member of the House of Representatives. This was after winning an intellectual competition organised by Hon. (Dr.) Anthony Adebayo Adepoju, the lawmaker representing Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North Federal Constituency.

According to the statement issued by the lawmaker’s spokesperson, Hassan Olaoniye, Haruna competed against finalists from five communities in the constituency — Igboora, Idere, Ayete, Tapa and Igangan — at the grand finale held on Sunday.

The competition targeted over 2,700 SS3 students from public and private schools in the constituency. It aimed at grooming future legislators, empowering youths regardless of their background, and promoting youth-driven leadership.

The contest began with an aptitude test that shortlisted the top 50 students — 10 from each community — followed by an essay competition to select the best five for the final stage.

At the finale, the finalists were tested in a Spelling Bee, Essay Writing, General Knowledge Quiz and Public Speaking. Haruna Suliat won in all categories except Public Speaking, where she finished second.

She emerged overall winner, followed by Amoo Ibrahim from Hopecrest College, Igboora as first runner-up. Others were Olusegun Victor and Kolawole Sofiyat from Angels Height College, Ayete, and Olagbenro Tosin from Royal Diadem College, Igangan.

Haruna’s prize includes an all-expense-paid trip to Abuja with her parents, witnessing a live plenary, sitting as a one-day lawmaker, meeting the Speaker and other lawmakers, and gaining firsthand experience of legislative processes.

The initiative, according to Hon. Adepoju, is designed to inspire young people towards leadership and give them practical exposure to the workings of Nigeria’s National Assembly.