……… As Gov flags off N335m scholarship, bursary award to Ondo State students

By Precious Oluwole

The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has emphasised the importance of education as the key that unlocks potential of the young people, equipping them with the knowledge, skills and expertise needed to drive progress and prosperity.

The Governor made this known on Monday while flagging off the award of bursary, scholarship and financial assistance to students of Ondo State origin in tertiary institutions across the country held at the Cocoa Conference hall, Governor’s Office, Alagbaka, Akure.

The Governor stated that the awards are a testament to our commitment to investing in the future of our State and our country. “We must ensure that our students have access to quality education and the necessary support to excel in their academic pursuits”.

He highlighted his administration’s achievements ranging from regular payments of WASSCE registration fees for all students in public secondary schools across the State, to massive reconstruction and renovation of public primary and secondary schools across the State, among others.

According to the Governor, the award is not just a financial support, it is also a vote of confidence in the students’ abilities. “We believe in you, and we are confident that you will make the most of this opportunity. You must explore this support to excel, innovate and make a positive impact in your academics, in the future of our State and Nigeria at large.

“For us, we are passionately committed to making sure that our children and young people are given the best opportunity to develop themselves through our various interventionist programmes in the education sector. We believe in the talents and potential of our young people, and we owe them a duty to nurture and empower them to become future leaders and change-makers in our societ”.

Governor Aiyedatiwa called on the academic community generally to continue to provide a conducive learning environment and support services that will enable students to thrive and excel.

He commended the parents and guardians of the beneficiaries for their support and sacrifices in nurturing the young minds. “We recognise your invaluable role in their academic journey and we urge you to continue to provide the guidance and encouragement that would help them succeed”.

Governor Aiyedatiwa also appreciated all stakeholders in the education sector, including the Ministry of Education Science and Technology, the Scholarship Board, academic Institutions and other development partners for their immense contributions to educational growth and human capital development in Ondo State.

“Together, we can build a brighter future for ourselves, our State and our children through continuous investment in the education and development of the young people”, he said.

Earlier in his address, the Administrative Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr Ademola Kolawole stated that the award is a testament to the Governor’s commitment to students’welfare. He added that no country can development above its level of education.

He appreciated the Governor for his unwavering support and passionate commitment to the development of educational sector, stressing that his leadership qualities has made it possible to provide the opportunity for the students.

He described the 335 million naira busary payment as prompt, urging the students who benefited to from the payment to see it as a rear privilege to the pursuit of their dreams and make their contribution to the growth and development of the state, as that is the only way they could repay the State.

The Commisoner for Education, Mr Olaolu Akindolire, appreciated the Governor for approving the payment of busary and scholarship for the students, stressing that what the Governor approved is the highest in the history of Ondo State.

While commending the students for their commitment to their studies, Akindolire urged them to make judicious use of the bursary given to them.

The Senior Special Assistant on student affairs to the Governor, Comrade Kelvin Solomon Olaolu, described Governor Aiyedatiwa as the lover of the youth and a dedicated father.

He charged the students to shun cultism, face their studies squarely, make good use of their bursary and be good ambassadors of the State.

The President, National Association of Ondo State students (NAOSS), Comrade Ahmed Oyelade, appreciated the Governor for prioritizing the welfare of students in the State, noting that the payment of busary will encourage them to focus more on their studies.

He promised the Governor that they would make judicious use of their bursary, concentrate on their education and not disappoint the Governor.

Speaking on behalf of other beneficiaries, Ebisetie Micheal, appreciated the Governor for his show of love and for thinking of the students.

In attendance were; The Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Tayo Oluwatuyi, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip, State Chairman of APC, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, President, Ondo State Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Eunice Alade, members of the State Executive Council,