Over 300 indigent student beneficiaries in the Ijebu Central Federal Constituency have received the 2024/2025 bursary awards through an educational support initiative by the Member of the House of Representatives representing Ijebu Ode/Odogbolu/Ijebu North East Federal Constituency, Hon. Olufemi Adeleke Ogunbanwo, popularly known as Omo-Iwa. 

The initiative is aimed at easing the financial burden on students and promoting access to quality education.

The bursary disbursement ceremony, held at the Samson Afolabi Anglican Church Hall, Ijebu Ode, 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 dates 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 decision of not allowing 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.

Hon. Ogunbanwo stated that investing in education remains one of the most effective ways to empower young people and secure a better future for the constituency adding that the bursary scheme is part of a broader commitment to human capital development and community upliftment, noting that similar interventions would continue 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, the Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, advised the beneficiaries to remain dedicated to their studies, noting that education remains a powerful tool for achieving success in life.

Professor 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. 

He added that addressing financial challenges would enable students to focus 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.

Highlights of the event also included the empowerment of 200 widows, further underscoring Hon. Ogunbanwo’s commitment to social welfare and community development within the constituency.