Ikorodu Division Peace Initiative (IDPIL), sponsors of the IDPIL Annual Scholarship and Bursary Award has stated that its huge investments in the education sector of Ikorodu Division have started paying off.
This revelation was made by the Chairman, IDPIL Scholarship and Bursary Award Committee, Hon (Mrs) Adebimpe Akinsola during the formal presentation of cheques to beneficiaries of the annual financial support which held at the Ikorodu Ultra-modern Town Hall last Saturday.
It was therefore a moment of joy and pride for the IDPIL Board and Management as the body proudly showcased three of its scholarship beneficiaries who recently graduated with First-class from the Lagos State University (LASU).
Presenting two of the LASU graduates who graced the event, comprising of Ikorodu Division Royal Fathers and other important dignitaries, the Chairman of the IDPIL Scholarship and Bursary Award Committee, Hon. (Mrs) Adebimpe Akinsola stated that the body’s massive investments in the educational development of Ikorodu Division undergraduates has started yielding positive results.
She said, ‘As an education enthusiast with over a decade of teaching and developing children in secondary institutions, and with the added privilege of being a member of the House Committee on Education in the 7th legislative Assembly of the Lagos State House of Assembly; this programme is one that is extremely dear to me. From experience, it is well known that one of the most progressive ways to impact any society is through a legacy of quality education. Quality and positive education that is made accessible in meaningful ways to young people as they discover themselves and their various skills aimed at contributing positively to society’.
‘To speak to their achievements, we have already started to see the results of their hard work – One of our beneficiaries: Miss Toheebat Tiletile just graduated from Lagos State University with a Distinction in Education Management. Isn’t this poignant and a cause for celebration? She went above and beyond to excel in education management; as if to emphasize the extreme importance and relevance of education to the soul of our communities, the soul of our Nation. We are also excited to mention the achievements of Dr Abraham Alowonle, Dr Zainab Oladunni, and Dr Kafayat Eyiowu. Yes! These three medical Doctors have just graduated from LASU and were recipients of this scholarship/bursary. It gladdens me that at this grass-root level, this event is producing even doctors at a time when we know that our country is experiencing limited medical professionals in our Health industry. That’s just to mention a few of the beneficiaries who are already making their academic dreams a reality’, she added.
She continued, ‘Today, we announce with deep appreciation and grateful hearts – the IDPIL annual scholarship/bursary award has supported approximately 650 students over the span of 3 years since its inception in 2022! In the years since it began, we have been blessed with diverse and talented students of immeasurable intelligence, skill, brilliance, and originality. With the support of the scholarship / bursary, these students have been able to focus on their academics and excel without concern about the resources required to make their diverse ambitions a reality. They have already begun to weave themselves into the very fabric of our society, and fast becoming leaders and beacons showing other students what the Nigerian youth are capable of when they set their minds to task.’
She consequently thanked the board of IDPIL for being compassionate with their huge investment in the academic success of Ikorodu Division youths.
She equally commended the IDPIL Board Chairman and the Executive Secretary, Odofin Adewunmi Ogunsanya and Otunba Ganiyu Olusegun Abiru for their leadership, team-spirit and tireless works for a singular purpose: To ensure that the annual scholarship/bursary award event successfully supports the students that need it most!
Concluding, Akinsola charged Ikorodu Division youths on the need to get themselves updated with important information on current global affairs, their history and culture.
‘While this scholarship/bursary award cannot cater to all, I want to speak directly to the youth present here and those who are not: We are proud of you, you are capable, please do not limit yourselves! Some could have been beneficiaries today, but simple general knowledge questions about Nigeria’s history, your ancestry, tribal traditions, past and present government officials: information that should be second nature to us all, prevented it. This little knowledge gap made a significant difference between those here now and those who are not, and that hurt some of us deeply. At the recently concluded summer Olympics in France, there were young ladies competing for their countries in various sports: athletics, volleyball, gymnastics, diving, some even as young as 14. Do you think a young person representing their country on the world stage doesn’t know what’s going on in their country? You too can represent Nigeria on the world stage. Arm yourselves with the tools of your culture, tradition, and most importantly: the resources of our nation’.
She also counseled those who could not make the 2024 beneficiary list to explore the opportunity presented by the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFund) as a notable example of the resources of Nigeria which elevates the undeniable importance of supporting the academic ambitions of youths to get quality education.
‘This is a resource provided by the federal government of Nigeria and is already driving progress for young ones nationwide. For those of you who could not be beneficiaries today, I want you to know this: The doors to your academic dreams are still open to you through NELFUND. There are resources online, articles, sensitization events, and other avenues for you to learn more about it and create the path to your dreams.
Be better prepared, equip yourself with the right tools – GIVE YOURSELVES THE BEST CHANCE TO SUCCEED!
The event climaxed with the presentation of cheques to some of the beneficiaries of the Scholarship and Bursary Award.
