11-Year-Old Ayomide from Makoko Delivers Powerful Keynote at Maltina Teacher of the Year Awards, Stirring National Reflection

Lagos, Nigeria – November 26, 2025 – The 11th edition of the Maltina Teacher of the Year Gala/Awards took an unexpected and historic turn when an 11-year-old pupil stepped forward to deliver the event’s keynote address – an honour typically reserved for senior statespersons, scholars, and education leaders.

Ayomide, a Primary 6 learner from Adekunle Primary School in Makoko and a beneficiary of Slum2School Africa, captured national attention on Friday night after delivering a seven-minute address that many attendees described as “sobering,” “hopeful,” and “deeply challenging.”

His participation followed a decision by Nigerian Breweries Plc and Slum2School Africa to elevate the voices of children within conversations about Nigeria’s future. In a post shared online by Slum2School Africa founder Orondaam Otto, he revealed that although he had been invited to give the keynote, he proposed that a young child should instead speak to the nation. The idea was accepted immediately by the event organizers.

Standing before a hall filled with hundreds of educators, policymakers, government leaders and stakeholders, Ayomide delivered a message framed around a single question:
“Is this the Nigeria of your dreams?” The speech, which has stirred national conversations was streamed online and aired live on National Television through African magic on DSTV, reaching thousands of homes.

The question, simple yet piercing, became the emotional and intellectual anchor of the evening. His remarks touched on the aspirations of children across Nigeria, the daily realities many face, and the responsibilities of adults entrusted with national development.

Observers noted that the young speaker approached the podium with a composure far beyond his age. His cadence was steady, and his message, crafted with the support of Slum2School mentors, resonated with an urgency that prompted long applause and visible emotion from several guests.

From Makoko to a National Platform

Ayomide was selected from a shortlist of high-performing learners within the Slum2School Africa network. According to the organization, he spent less than one week rehearsing the speech, working through themes that included national values, education inequality, and the dreams children hold for their country. Supported by his mentors and teachers, he internalized the presentation and took ownership of the stage with a perfect delivery.

For many attendees, his presence on that stage symbolized both the potential of Nigerian children and the gaps that persist in providing them with equitable opportunities.

Speaking on his social media post, Orondaam Otto emphasized that the choice to center a child’s voice was intentional. “For decades, we have spoken about the challenges facing our children, yet many continue to suffer the consequences of inaction. If there is any voice Nigeria needs today, it’s the voice of children. Ayomide represents not just Makoko, not just Slum2School, but the dreams of millions of children across the nation. His question is simple, but it demands action: Are we ready to build the Nigeria of our dreams?”

His comments mirrored the sentiment behind Ayomide’s speech: that meaningful reform must include those most affected by the outcomes of policy decisions.

A Moment That May Shape Future Dialogues

While the Maltina Teacher of the Year Awards has long stood as a national celebration of excellence in education, this year’s keynote added a defining layer, one that placed a child not merely as a passive beneficiary but as a courageous contributor to Nigeria’s ongoing conversation about its future. Ayomide’s presence on that stage signaled something profound: that the children we often overlook carry insights capable of reshaping how we imagine education, leadership, and nation-building.

Education experts say this moment may mark a turning point, inspiring institutions to invite younger voices into rooms where decisions about their lives are made. Already, the widespread sharing of Ayomide’s speech online, accompanied by emotional reactions and renewed public reflection, suggests the beginning of a broader cultural shift toward listening more intentionally to Nigeria’s youngest citizens.

This inspiring chapter would not have been possible without the dedication of key institutions. Nigerian Breweries deserves commendation for consistently honoring educators through the Maltina Teacher of the Year Awards and for embracing the bold idea of placing a child at the center of the national stage. Equally, Slum2School Africa merits recognition for nurturing talent across underserved communities and ensuring that children like Ayomide are seen, heard, and empowered to lead.

This moment reminds us that with collective commitment, Nigeria’s future can be brighter than its past, and its children will help light the way.