The Tola Adebajo Foundation (TAF) has honoured outstanding students in Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State, with scholarships, cash awards, and educational materials at the closing ceremony of its third annual free holiday coaching programme.
The event, held at Saint James Anglican Primary School Hall, Atikori, Ijebu-Igbo, marked the end of a four-week summer coaching programme that brought together more than 2,000 students across the Ijebu axis.
A Senior Girl of Ijebu-Igbo Girls Grammar School, Odupitan Olubunmi, who recorded distinctions in her Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination, received a scholarship and a cash prize of ₦100,000 from the foundation to support her studies as one of the pioneer students at the Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta.
Similarly, Sani Nosirudeen of Molusi College, Ijebu-Igbo, emerged the overall best student of the coaching programme and received ₦50,000, while Osineye Odunayo of Ijebu-Ode Girls Grammar School won ₦25,000 as the best junior student, alongside other gifts.
Several other students were also rewarded with school materials, including mathematical sets, exercise books, and bags.
Convener of the foundation, Prince Tola Adebajo, represented by Mr. Dapo Davies, said TAF was established to give back to society and create a legacy of service and impact.
According to him, the foundation has supported more than 500 indigent students through uniforms, writing materials, and financial aid, with a target of reaching 5,000 vulnerable children annually.
Adebajo recalled the inspiring story of Mrs. Elizabeth Ologun, a 50-year-old woman who attended the 2023 edition of the summer coaching alongside her children, excelled in the NECO examination, and is now studying at university through the foundation’s sponsorship.
“This story epitomizes resilience, the power of second chances, and the belief that learning has no expiry date,” he said.
He added that education remained the bedrock of national development and urged stakeholders to complement government efforts in reducing the growing number of out-of-school children in Nigeria.
Coordinator of TAF, Hon. Femi Oluyemi, disclosed that the foundation, established in 2017 in memory of the convener’s late parents, has consistently supported top-performing students since the holiday programme began in 2023.
“This year, we repaired and restored the school’s ICT facilities to ensure students have access to functional digital resources,” he said.
In his goodwill message, the Executive Chairman of Ijebu North Local Government, Mr. Omobolaji Odusanya, announced a ₦100,000 donation to the foundation and an additional ₦10,000 prize for the overall best student. He urged parents to support their children’s education while encouraging the beneficiaries to maximise the knowledge gained.
The event was attended by dignitaries including the Ogun State Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperative, Hon. Ademola Balogun (represented), Oba Abdulrasheed Abayomi Banjo (represented), the NUT Chairperson in the area, Mrs. Famuyiwa, and community leaders such as Chief Toke Omotara, the Iyaloja of Ijebu-Igbo.
Students spiced up the ceremony with songs, choreography, and cultural dances.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
