Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun is immortalising his late son with a scholarship for indigent students.
Gov. Dapo Abiodun, the Governor of Ogun State, has established a scholarship program benefiting 550 underprivileged students from Remo Federal Constituency within the state.
The governor initiated this program as a tribute to his late son, Gbemiga Abiodun, who passed away six years ago.
During the launch ceremony held on Saturday in Iperu, Ikenne Local Government Area, Abiodun emphasized the importance of providing access to quality education for bright yet financially disadvantaged students. This scholarship initiative is intended to benefit primary school pupils, secondary school students, and those in tertiary institutions. He also announced plans to expand the number of beneficiaries to 1,000 over the next 12 months.
Abiodun stated, “It is against this backdrop that my family came up with a scholarship scheme called Gbemiga Abiodun Memorial Scholarship Award in memory of our son, Gbemiga Abiodun. It is strictly for indigent learners of public primary, secondary schools, technical college, and tertiary institutions, as well as special needs learners within Ikenne, Remo North, and Sagamu local government areas of Ogun.”
The governor emphasized that education is the key to a prosperous, developed, and harmonious future. He highlighted that the scholarship scheme is a way to celebrate the life and values of his late son, who was known for his selflessness and dedication to education.
“Beyond his popular chosen career as a disc jockey, he had an unwavering passion for education, which he pursued passionately till God called him to be with Him on Oct. 7, 2017,” Governor Abiodun recalled.
He encouraged the scholarship recipients to make the most of this opportunity to improve their lives, as it serves as a way to honor the memory of his late son.
Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, the governor’s wife, expressed the hope that this scheme would bring relief and positive change to the lives of the beneficiaries and their families during challenging times.
Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, the Special Adviser to the governor on Education, Science, and Technology, clarified that the scholarship program is fully funded by the Dapo Abiodun family. He mentioned that a dedicated account would be established for primary and secondary school beneficiaries, with disbursements made by their respective head teachers and principals. Beneficiaries in tertiary institutions will receive their scholarships in person.
