By Babatunde Kaka
Eko Hot Blog reports that the foundation of the Aladeshonyin and Paramount Ruler of Odo-Noforija Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Babatunde Ogunlaja JP, FMBE, has awarded N10 million worth of scholarships to students and people living with disability (PLWDs).
Eko Hot Blog reports that the charitable foundation launched with the scholarship awards as Oba Ogunlaja celebrates his birthday and 20th ascension anniversary.
This medium gathered that the beneficiaries include indigent students of Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary institutions. The charity move did not leave out non-students, as two PLWDs, who are artisans, were presented with wheelchairs.
Speaking at the presentation event, the Chairman of the Scholarship Committee, Dr. Olayiwole Onasanya (Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission), informed the state’s Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, that the program was an initiative of the celebrant, Oba Ogunlaja, towards supporting the growth of education in the community and the state at large.
Onasanya noted that, in addition to celebrating the coronation and birth anniversary of the monarch, the scholarship presentation was also aimed at supporting the THEMES agenda of the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.
He also promised that the philanthropic program would not end with the royal father’s celebration.
“Your Excellency, our Highly revered Royal father and Philanthropist of repute, has decided to embark on this project not only in commemoration of his 20th anniversary and birthday celebration but also to support the growth of education in Noforija kingdom, which is in line with the THEMES agenda of our amiable Governor, His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu,” Onasanya said.
“This anniversary isn’t about feasting and merriment alone; our delectable Royal father has compassionately embarked on this program to ameliorate the suffering of his people so that they’d be inspired and motivated to get the best out of their academic studies and businesses.
“One spectacular decision His Royal Majesty has taken was the inclusion of People Living with Disabilities and Special students in the scope of the scholarship. This is highly commendable, and I want to, on behalf of the recipients, extend my heart of gratitude to Kabiyesi for this laudable program. I want to assure everyone here that this program will not end with the celebration; it will continue as the Foundation has mapped out other areas to touch lives.”
Moreover, two students each from four primary schools in the Odo-Noforija axis in the Primary category were awarded N50,000 each.
In the secondary school category, two students each from Pobuna Junior and Senior Secondary Grammar school got N50,000, respectively.
Additionally, special students from Agbowa benefited from the scholarship.
In the tertiary education category, two NCE students from Michael Otedola College of Primary Education (now Lagos State University of Education – LASUED) received N50,000 each. In contrast, one student each from the University of Ibadan (UI) and Ekiti State University (EKSU) students got N100,000 each.
Reacting to the awards, the beneficiaries thanked Oba Ogunlaja for his philanthropic gestures and prayed for him to reign long on the throne of his forefathers.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the scholarship committee includes Dr. Layiwole Onasanya, Professor Okubena, Director of Lagos State University Directorate of Advancement, and Dr. Kosoko-Oyedeko, Director of Degree Programs, University of Ibadan Affiliate Program, MOCPED
Besides, Prince Olayiwola Shittu, an age-long friend of the monarch, sponsored an indigent student from primary school to the university through SCALA Foundation.
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