Kunle Adelabu & Ayoola Oladipupo (trainee)
The Executive Chairman, Ijede Local Council Development Area, Hon. Motunrayo Gbadebo –Alogba, has sustained her administration’s educational support with the presentation of bursary awards to over 200 undergraduates worth N10 million.
Each of the beneficiaries received N50, 000 each with commendations from the students and community stakeholders for the chairman’s education support initiative.
Presentation of the initiative tagged, “Ijede-Tunrayo Bursary Award”, took place at the Ijede LCDA Secretariat hall on Friday, and was witnessed by political leaders, community stakeholders, student leaders and others.
Speaking at the ceremony, Hon. Gbadebo –Alogba said that her administration is celebrating and safeguarding the future of the council through the bursary.
“Today’s lJEDE Tunrayo Bursary Award Presentation is not just an award ceremony; it is a celebration of hope, academic excellence, and community progress.”
“In line with our administration’s vision, education remains the cornerstone of sustainable human development. We strongly believe that when you educate a child, you empower a family, strengthen a community, and build a great nation.”
While thanking the committee for the Ijede-Tunrayo Bursary Award for the well –organised process, the council boss also appreciated parents and guardians for their daily sacrifices in building the future of their children by giving them good education.
She assured them that her administration would continue to support them especially with initiatives that would keep their children in school.
“As an administration, we stand with you and will continue to create an environment where your investments in your children yield maximum rewards.”
To the successful students who are being presented with the bursary, Hon. Gbadebo –Alogba urged them to continue to strive for academic excellence.
“To our brilliant awardees, congratulations! You have earned this recognition through your hard work, focus, and dedication to your studies.”
“As your Executive Chairman, l challenge you to view this bursary not just as financial assistance, but as a vote of confidence from your community. We believe in your abilities, and we expect great things from you.”
She added: “Let this award motivate you to strive higher and attain even greater academic distinction. Avoid vices that could compromise your future. Be discipline-driven, morally upright, and dedicated to your goals.”
“Wherever your educational journey takes you, carry the name of ljede LCDA with pride and honour. Always remember that you carry the hopes and expectations of your home town. Remember that one day, you will be in a position to hold the torch for the generation coming after you.”
Hon. Gbadebo –Alogba further emphasised her administration’s commitment to educational development:
“As an administration, I want to reassure all residents that ljede LCDA will continue to prioritise educational support, youth empowerment, and infrastructure development.
We will continue to support initiatives that elevate our students and position our local council area as a hub for academic excellence and innovation.”
While stating that Ijede is blessed with education, Pastor Ajetunmobi, a political leader in his remarks also thanked the chairman for the gesture.
He stated that the chairman is keying into President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda especially the NELFUND initiative through which the President is providing funds to support students’ education in Nigeria.
He urged beneficiaries and other students from Ijede to take advantage of NELFUND.
The President, Ijede Students’ Union, Comrade Idowu Ilayas, in his appreciation speech, said that educational support initiative is important to students and lauded the chairman for recognising their challenges and coming up with supports.
He stressed that investment on students is a good way of protecting the future of any society .
He charged beneficiaries to also recognise the responsibilities that come with the bursary and make good use of it.
Beneficiaries of the bursary initiative that spoke with THE IMPACT also lauded it stressing that it will go a long way to support their education.
Fasasi Yusuf, 300 level student of Economics, responding to questions said:
“I feel good and I pray that God will continue to support them. It is a nice programme they have put together.”
“The money I received today will support and boost my education. It will really help me a lot”
Another beneficiary, Joshua Rebecca , 200 level of Guidance and Counseling, in her own remarks stated:
“I am very happy because it will go a long way in helping me and my education. I’m grateful to the chairman.
It will help me concerning my house rent and academics.”
Olusegun Adenuga, 300 level student of Lagos State University , Epe campus, studying Electronics and Computer Engineering, while appreciating the council’s gesture also described the support as a challenge for him to do better.
“The feeling is, I don’t know how to put it into words. I don’t have enough words for the feeling, because I’m excited, and at the same time, I feel like I have a task ahead of me to not let them down.”
He added: “It will help me in many ways, because school will be resuming on Monday, and I need to get some stuff for school, provisions and some personal items too for school. I think this will really go a long way for me.”
Hon Monsuru Bello also speaking commended the chairman for the educational support and charged beneficiaries to make good use of it.
In his own opinion, another political leader, Hon Wasiu Agoro, while also thanking the chairman, added that the fund will assist many struggling students to pay their fees and other things.
Other guests at the presentation were Hon. Kabir Femi Kareem, Vice chairman of Ijede; Hon. Olambiwonnu Olakunle Semiu, SLG Ijede LCDA; Hon Abdulateef Abdulraheem, Chief of Staff Ijede LCDA; Hon. Kehinde Basirat, Leader of the House, Ijede LCDA Legislative Assembly; Alhaji Jamiu Quadri, Apex political leader; Mrs Mosidat Afolake Lasisi, Council Manager, Ijede LCDA and Alhaja Kehinde Fesomu, CDC Chairman, Ijede and others.
