no more than 549 indigent students and youth in Omu Aran community in the Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State have benefited from scholarship programmes aimed at encouraging educational pursuits in the area.
Speaking during the presentation of the award to beneficiaries in Omu Aran on Tuesday, the national president of Omu Aran Development Association, Major-General Yemi Abidoye (Rtd), described education as the most valuable asset in life capable of making the younger generation true leaders of tomorrow.
The community leader, who commended the founder of Bayo and Bunmi Babalola Foundation, Engineer Sunday Babalola, for his scholarship initiative, said the initiative has turned the fortunes of many brilliant children from poor families around.
The national president, who said that aside from the scholarship scheme, Engineer Babalola had played roles in moving the entire community forward, praying God to continue to bless him.
The retired military officer advised the students and pupils to emulate their benefactor and shun internet scams other social vices so that they will be useful for themselves and the society in future.
He also admonished parents and guardians to perform their roles effectively.
Also speaking, the Transition Implementation Committee (TIC) chairman in the Irepodun LGA, Jide Oyinloye, said that government alone cannot fund education.
The council chairman, who said that it is better to build people than to build houses, commended the foundation for the scholarship, advising the students and pupils to face their studies.
In his speech, the founder of the education scheme, Engineer Sunday Babalola, who was represented by the chairman of the Organising Committee of the foundation, Mr Dele Ajiboye, said that a total sum of N10 million was expended on 549 secondary school pupils and tertiary institutions students in this year’s scholarship scheme.
“The beneficiaries comprise 95 pupils from Junior Secondary School III; 64 from Senior Secondary School (WASC); 169 students from tertiary institutions and 221 others.
“In the past, the foundation had given scholarships to a total of 813 beneficiaries comprising 522 pupils from primary and secondary schools and 291 students from tertiary institutions. We are happy with the testimonies we hear from the students. We are also grateful to God for them.
“This nongovernmental organisation spent a total sum of N19.4m, comprising N17m directly to the beneficiaries and about N2.4m on logistics in the past editions.
“We increased the award amount to N10 million to compensate for our inability to hold the award in 2020 because of the pandemic. As a result, we have invested a total of N29.4m in the beneficiaries (excluding logistics).
“We have made this whopping investment, not because we have all the money but as our willingness to sacrifice and a show of commitment for the educational advancement of the younger generation. We believe in Luke 12:48 that “To whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.” We believe firmly that every child should have good education as education is the bedrock of societal growth and advancement. Education is instrumental to the emergence of outstanding professionals, business tycoons, local government, state, national and world leaders. Without education, the society, alas the world at large, will not only stagnate but retrogress. Crimes, poverty, sickness, insecurity, and total darkness will overwhelm the world without education.”
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