It was a moment to savour students of tertiary institutions in Odiolowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area and their parents as the Rasak Ajala led administration distributed bursary awards to deserving students in the council area.
The epoch-making event took place on Wednesday, 6 December, 2023 at the council secretariat in Ilupeju.
What made the event more memorable for the benefitting students and their parents was the fact that bursary amount was significantly jerked up by the council. “The amount paid was raised to reflect the current economic situation in the country,” Rasaq Olusola Ajala, Chairman of the LCDA told reporters at the event.
Addressing the recipients, Hon. Ajala emphasized that the bursary programme aimed at supporting meritorious students excelling in their studies at various tertiary institutions within the LCDA, aligning with the commitment to fulfillling electoral promises.
He underscored the connection between the programme and the federal government’s decision to eliminate fuel subsidies, highlighting that the funds saved were intended to improve the overall well-being of the populace.
Drawing parallels with the federal government’s objectives, he urged responsible allocation of funds from the federation allocation account, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The motivation behind the programme is to ensure we walk our talk by fulfilling our electoral promises
“To demonstrate to the world the importance of the policy of the federal government to remove fuel subsidy,” he stressed.
Encouraging academic excellence, Hon. Ajala advised students to cultivate a dedicated approach to their studies and emphasized the enduring value of education, even within a business context.
Counseling against engaging in detrimental activities, he announced a substantial increase in the bursary awards, raising the previous amount of twenty thousand nairas to fifty thousand naira for each qualifying student, with immediate payment instructions.
“Even if you choose to operate within the business environment, you must get yourself educated as this will differentiate you from those who did not attend school, ” he said.
Some of the beneficiaries while showing appreciation to the council boss, commended him for fulfilling his electoral promises to the people of the council.
They also commended the transparent manner the beneficiaries were selected noting those who benefitted were picked on merit.
The event witnessed the presence of Vice Chairman, Hon. Seyi Jakande; Legislative Arm Leader, Hon. Rilwan Ola Ajenifuja; and Councilors from diverse wards.
Other attendees included: the Secretary to the local council Hon. Mujeeb Ayinde Daramola; Supervisors, Special Advisers to the Chairman, and party officials, notably Hon. Ismail Babatunde Kazeem (TUNKAZ), Alhaji Mustafa Adeola Olaniyan, and various executive members and chairpersons.
Noteworthy participants comprised the Council Manager, Mrs. Afolake Otenaike; Council Treasurer, Mr. Mujitaba Karohunwi; and Heads of Departments from various sections.