Toyota (Nigeria) Limited, TNL, has honoured nine school children who emerged as national winners of the 2024 (17th) edition of the annual Toyota Dream Car Art contest.
According to the Managing Director of TNL, Mr Kunle Ade-Ojo, all nine drawings created by the nine winners were sent to Japan to compete with other winning drawings across the globe.
The latest national winners were celebrated and presented with top-quality laptops, corporate gifts and certificates during a grand ceremony held on Saturday, 16th March, 2024, at TNL Corporate head office in Lekki, Lagos, to the admiration of their parents, Art teachers and well-wishers that attended the colourful event.
Four of the winners are pupils of Corona School, Lagos, two from Abuja-based Loyola Jesuit College, two from Avi-Cenna International School, and one from Vivian-Fowler Memorial College for Girls, Lagos. All the categories this year were won by female contestants.
The competition organised for school children all over the world by Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) Japan, in conjunction with its representatives in many countries, challenges them to draw their dream cars with an inspirational idea.
Last year, Nigeria’s Oluwademilade Odumuboni, a 9-year-old boy, then from Corona School Gbagada, Lagos, won the coveted prize, beating other contestants from over 90 countries.
His drawing, titled WASTE CONVERTER, with the concept of helping countries, especially African communities, in food production and ensuring clean environment, was adjudged the best globally in his age category.
All the current nine winners were invited to present their drawings and the idea behind it before receiving their prizes and certificates.
The three winners in the first category; 7 years and below, are all Corona School pupils. Wuraola Aderinsola Onaolapo (1st position), Myra Oyindamola Omokunga (2nd position), and Pemisire Zara Abayomi-John (3rd position).
For the 8-11 years category, the winners are Oluwalani Tamara Oshinubi (1st position), Sochikaima Nwizu (2nd position), and Vivian Ugooma Emeh (3rd position).
And in the third category for 12-15 years, Juditha Sree Reddyvari (1st position), Jiajia Miao (2nd position), and Ayopelumi Modupe Aboderin (3rd position) were unveiled.
TNL MD, Ade-Ojo, said the company chose to identify with the competition as part of its corporate social responsibilities by encouraging the children to develop their creativity and God-given talent.
He said, “We are doing this for the children. It is a means of developing their creativity and reminding them that anything is possible if they can dream. When they start young, it will also be part of them.
“Though it is costing us a lot of money, we are glad we are doing it so that the creativity in them does not diminish.”
Ade-Ojo also commended the teachers and parents for their support, adding, “Without their support, participating in this event would not have been possible.”
Responding to why all the nine winners are girls, the TNL MD said, “We have judges who pick the winning drawings based on set parameters and in a very transparent manner. Pictures are presented to them, they shortlist to narrow down the number, and the best nine are eventually picked as winners.
“Coincidentally, it just happened that they are all girls this year. Last year, a boy emerged as the global winner.”
One of the parents, Mrs Opeyemi Aboderin, commended Toyota Nigeria for giving the children the opportunity to express their brilliant ideas through drawings.
She expressed gratitude to the company for the huge investment in the future of young children.
She also advised people to always encourage the youth to develop their skills and other talents.
The high point of the event was a special recognition given to the art teachers of the winning students.
All invitees were later treated to a grand reception.
