Secondary school students across Kwara State are preparing for the maiden edition of the Tranquil’s Public Speaking Prize (TPSP 2026), with contestants set to compete for a ₦500,000 grand prize at the grand finale scheduled for November 19 in Ilorin.
The competition, organised by Tranquil Creatives Limited, will take place at the Main Hall of the Ilorin Innovation Hub, 9A Ahmadu Bello Way, under the theme “Voices for the Future.”
The event is expected to bring together students, education stakeholders, communication professionals, public figures and other distinguished guests to celebrate young talents and promote public speaking, critical thinking and leadership development.
Convened by Mrs Sakeenah Jatto-Oyewole, a communication professional and English educator, the initiative aims to provide secondary school students with a platform to express their ideas confidently and advocate positive change in their schools and communities.
50 Kwara Students Qualify for Public Speaking Competition
According to the organisers, 50 contestants have emerged from an online audition process and will compete through three rounds at the grand finale.
The competition will assess participants’ persuasive abilities, problem-solving skills, critical thinking and communication skills, particularly on issues affecting their schools and communities.
The first round, titled “The Power of Persuasion,” will require contestants to present convincing arguments in support of an idea within one minute.
At the conclusion of the round, 15 contestants will qualify for the semi-final.
The semi-final, tagged “The Power of Solutions,” will feature the 15 qualifiers delivering three-minute PowerPoint presentations on practical solutions to challenges confronting their schools or communities.
Following the judges’ assessment, five contestants will advance to the final round.
Finalists to Address Kwara Governor on Community Challenges
The final round, titled “Dear Mr Governor,” will challenge the five finalists to deliver a two-minute appeal for positive change before responding to questions from the judges.
Their performances will determine the overall winner, first runner-up and second runner-up.
The winner will receive the ₦500,000 grand prize, while the first and second runners-up will also receive recognition for their performances.
Judges for Tranquil Public Speaking Prize 2026
The competition will be assessed by a distinguished panel comprising university don Dr Foluke Aliyyu, who will serve as Chief Judge.
Other members of the judging panel include communication strategist Mr Sanni Alausa-Issa, seasoned broadcaster Mrs Bisola Oduwole-Suleiman and Dr Rasheed Ajao, a Senior Education Officer with the Kwara State Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development.
Kwara Government Officials, Education Stakeholders Expected
The event is expected to attract prominent personalities from government, education, media and other sectors.
Among the special guests are Hon. Ibraheem Abdullateef, Senior Special Assistant to the Kwara State Governor on Communications; Dr Mahmud Abdulraheem, Esq., Chief Promoter of GerinFM 95.5; Mal. Rafiu Ajakaye, PhD; Dr Oba Abdulkadir La’aro; and Mrs Ajide Victoria Omowumi.
Other expected guests include Mal. Abdur-Rahman Adebayo Aderinoye, popularly known as ARA Aderinoye, and Engr. Taofik Abdulkareem of Plat Technologies Limited.
Both are recognised as gold sponsors and special guests of the competition.
Spoken-word performer Saliu Ahmad, popularly known as Penwarlord, is also scheduled to deliver a special guest performance.
Sponsors, Partners and Registration Details
The inaugural edition of TPSP 2026 is supported by gold sponsors Mal. Abdur-Rahman Adebayo Aderinoye (ARA Aderinoye), Plat Technologies, Jatto Solutions Inc. and Jatto Hafiz.
The Kwara State Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development is the educational partner.
Media partners include Factual Naija News, The Media Sis, Kraftmann Designs, Highlander Multimedia and SAB Shot It.
Other supporting partners are Ilorin Innovation Hub, Mariamella Consult Ltd, House 12 Workspaces & Lifestyle, Deejah Skincare and Aesthetics, Noor & Thrive, Raising Muslim Girls and Barakah Edibles.
Activities will commence at 8:30 a.m. with registration and a red-carpet reception, while the main event is scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m.
Attendance is free, and parents, educators, students and members of the public interested in youth development are encouraged to attend.
Interested participants can register through the official event registration page: https://luma.com/3nrxc5t9.
Tranquil Public Speaking Prize Promotes Youth Leadership
Beyond the monetary reward, Tranquil’s Public Speaking Prize seeks to promote effective communication, critical thinking, self-expression and youth participation in societal development.
Its guiding philosophy, “Express, Develop, Lead,” reflects the organisers’ vision of nurturing young people who can articulate their ideas confidently, engage constructively with their communities and contribute meaningfully to the future.
As the countdown to November 19 gathers momentum, attention will turn to the contestants whose confidence, ideas and ability to inspire could distinguish them as the next generation of influential voices in Kwara State.
Although only one contestant will emerge with the ₦500,000 grand prize, the competition offers all participants an opportunity to develop their communication skills, build confidence and demonstrate the power of young voices in shaping the future.
