Over 300 indigent students beneficiaries in the Ijebu Central Federal Constituency have received the 2024/2025 bursary awards through an educational support initiative instituted by the Member of the House of Representatives representing Ijebu Ode/Odogbolu/Ijebu North East Federal Constituency, Hon. Olufemi Ogunbanwo.

The initiative aimed at easing the financial burden of students thus, promoting access to quality education took place at the Samson Afolabi Anglican Church Hall, Ijebu Ode which attracted students, parents, community leaders and party stakeholders.

Beneficiaries were selected from various wards across Ijebu Central, with the support specifically targeted at indigent students in tertiary institutions who require financial assistance to continue their academic pursuits.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Ogunbanwo emphasized the importance of education as a key driver of development, noting that the bursary initiative was designed to encourage students to remain focused on their studies, despite prevailing economic challenges.

The lawmaker recalled that his commitment to bursary disbursement dated back to 1990 during his days as a university student and Student Union Government (SUG) leader.

He narrated how the initiative began when a sum of ₦10,000 was given to him by Late Rufus Giwa to step down a joint decision  by student union  not allow the then Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, to the University of Lagos.

According to him, he disbursed ₦5,000 of the money as bursaries to 10 students and kept the remaining ₦5,000 in the union’s account.

He added that General Babangida later donated an additional ₦25,000 after learning of the gesture, marking the beginning of his long-standing commitment to supporting students through bursary awards.

 Ogunbanwo reiterated again that investing in education remained one of the most effective ways to empower young people and secure a better future for the constituency, adding that the bursary scheme was part of a broader commitment to human capital development and community upliftment, noting that similar interventions would be initiated to support youths, artisans and other vulnerable groups.

The federal Lawmaker further urged students to aspire to greatness regardless of the challenges they may face, stressing that education should always be treated as a top priority in the pursuit of success.

Also speaking at the event, State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, advised the beneficiaries to remain dedicated to their studies, noting that education served as a powerful tool for achieving success in life.

Arigbabu described the initiative as complementary to the Ogun State Government’s vision for education and supportive of the Federal Government’s student loan scheme, saying that when financial challenges facing students were taken care off, they would be focused on their academics and excel in their chosen fields.

Speaking on behalf of the bursary award beneficiaries, Adeyemi Oluwatosin and Akinmola Esther expressed gratitude to Hon. Ogunbanwo for the gesture, describing the bursary as timely and impactful.

They noted that the funds would go a long way in assisting them with school fees, learning materials and other academic-related expenses.

Other highlights of the event included the empowerment of 200 widows, which further underscored Hon. Ogunbanwo’s commitment to social welfare and community development within the constituency.