Irewolede LCDA Vice Chairman gives financial aid to Students in Ijurin-Ekiti
By: Daniel Abe.
In demonstration of his commitment to supporting education and fostering academic success within the Ijurin community, the Vice Chairman of Irewolede Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon Samson Kolawole, on Thursday awarded financial assistance of N50,000 each to 10 indigent students of higher institutions from Ijurin-Ekiti.
The presentation ceremony, held at Pa Alfred Arabi Hall in the palace of the Ojurin of Ijurin-Ekiti, was attended by dignitaries including the Executive Chairperson of Irewolede LCDA, Hon. (Mrs.) Dupe Bakare, represented by her Chief of Staff, Hon. Isaac Dada; the Ojurin of Ijurin-Ekiti, HRM Oba Joachim Adeyemi Afolabi; APC Chairman in Ijero Local Government, Mr. James Adelerin; community leaders, party faithful, parents of beneficiaries, and well-wishers.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Kolawole said the initiative was designed to ease the academic and financial burdens faced by students and their parents.
“Indeed, I recognise the importance of education in shaping the future of the community”. However, I also acknowledge the financial constraints many of you face in pursuing your dreams. This financial aid is my response to those challenges. I believe that every student deserves access to quality education, regardless of their financial backgrounds,” he said.
The Vice Chairman commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for implementing free education at the primary and secondary school levels, describing his gesture as complementary to the state government’s efforts to make education accessible.
The Irewolede LCDA number two citizen expressed appreciation to the lawmaker representing Ekiti Central Federal Constituency II, Hon. Biodun Omoleye, for the rare opportunity given him to serve the people at the grassroots.
He also acknowledged the continued support of Hon. Dapo Kolawole, Hon. Dupe Bakare, and Barr. Obafemi Adewale (SAN) and Kabiyesi Ojurin for their valuable support and guidance.
He urged the beneficiaries to take their studies seriously and uphold the reputation of their families and the community.
“To our recipients, I want you to see this as a rare opportunity. You were chosen out of many. I therefore urge you to face your studies and avoid any act that can bring shame to your families and the community at large,” Hon. Kolawole submitted.
The Vice Chairman also revealed plans to expand the scholarship to benefit other communities in future editions.
“I am determined to continue this scheme and expand it to reach even more deserving students in the years to come.”
He commended the 3-member scholarship committee for their unbiased recommendations and transparent selection process.
Also speaking, the Ojurin of Ijurin-Ekiti, HRM Oba Joachim Adeyemi Afolabi, commended the Vice Chairman for this great initiative, describing him as an exceptional character.
“I’m not surprised that this is coming from Kolawole’s. Their father was the first Councillor in this town and I commend Hon. Samson Kolawole for upholding the legacy of their late father.
The monarch urged well-to-do indigenes, especially those in the diaspora, to emulate Hon. Kolawole’s gesture and contribute to the town’s development.
Oba Adeyemi equally enjoined the beneficiaries to be steadfast in their studies, bearing in mind that the aim of the programme is to encourage a better life.
In their goodwill messages, the executive Chairperson of Irewolede LCDA, Hon.(Mrs) Dupe Bakare, the Asa of Ijurin-Ekiti, High Chief Funso Kolawole, the Eyenurin, High Chief Bose Aloba as well as the Acting President of Ijurin Youths Forum, Mr Lekan Akinleye, lauded Hon. Kolawole’s generosity, noting that the scholarship would greatly reduce parents’ financial burdens.
High Chief Kolawole announced a donation of another 50,000 to one of the beneficiaries, Miss Iyanuoluwa Ikulayo who is a Medicine student at the Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Miss Iyanuoluwa Ikulayo thanked their benefactor for his unalloyed and uncommon generosity, saying the support would not only ease their struggles in school but also inspire them to strive for excellence.
Mr. Anthony Ajibola, who spoke on behalf of the parents, expressed appreciation to Hon. Kolawole and equally prayed for his continued success.
