Oluwademilade Odumuboni’s recent win in the Toyota Dream Car Art Contest is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of young Africans. The 10-year-old Nigerian has proved that a rising generation of African innovators are ready to take on the world, regardless of age or background.
The 10-year-old Nigerian pupil, won the global grand prize of the 2022/23 Toyota Dream Car Art Contest. The student from Corona School in Gbagada, Lagos, participated and defeated 782,852 other competitors from 90 nations to take home the coveted award.
His creation was a waste converter designed to assist nations, particularly African villages, in food production and guaranteeing a clean environment. The prize included a $5,000 cash prize, a plaque, and a certificate, while his school was awarded $10,000 for education. The event is organised annually by Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), Japan, for schoolchildren all over the world, challenging them to draw their dream cars with a free idea.
His invention showcases Africa’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship. Odumuboni’s prize-winning innovation is not only timely but crucial to the development of the continent.
Toyota’s Dream Car Art Contest is an annual event that challenges schoolchildren worldwide to draw their dream cars with a free idea. In Nigeria, three winners are selected from each age category annually, making nine winners. The shortlisted nine national winners and their drawings are then sent to Japan to compete with entries received from all over the world.
As Africa’s population swells, so too does the need to find innovative solutions to the continent’s challenges. Events like the Toyota Dream Car Art Contest provide a platform for young Africans to showcase their creative talents and put forward ideas that could reshape the continent and the world.
Ade-Ojo, Toyota (Nigeria) Limited’s Managing Director, said, “This way, Toyota is also cultivating a lifetime friendship with all these children while encouraging them to care for our planet and push their imagination beyond limits.”
Odumuboni’s success is a testament to the potential that young Africans hold and his win is proof that Africa is a Land of Giants. Henrietta Eguagie, the Head Teacher of Corona School, Gbagada, praised Odumuboni’s achievement, calling it a remarkable accomplishment that brought glory to the school. She also hailed Toyota for inspiring young people to unleash their creative expression and artistic potential.
These kinds of contests with cash rewards will go a long way in advancing education in Nigeria. Corona School, Gbagada, has already committed itself to utilising the prize money in a manner that directly benefits the learning experiences and development of its students.
Odumuboni’s win shows that young Africans are not just passive recipients of education but active participants in shaping the future. By supporting events like the Toyota Dream Car Art Contest, the next generation of African innovators can be inspired to seize the opportunities and help transform Africa’s future.
