Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working with individuals and organizations that are dedicated to promoting education and humanity.
The governor made this known at an event organized by the High Chief Bode & Betty Osedimilehin Foundation (HCBBO), where a total of 127 beneficiaries, including students from Owo and Ose local government areas, received scholarships and empowerment support.
According to the breakdown, 79 secondary school students from Owo and Ose, 16 primary school pupils, and seven medical students, among others, benefitted from the programme. In addition, 10 artisans were empowered, while a special award was presented to an outstanding individual.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Ebenezer Adeniyan, stated that government alone cannot shoulder the responsibility of education funding. He explained that partnerships between the private sector and public institutions are essential to bridging educational gaps in Nigeria.
Bode Osedimilehin, the convener of the programme, emphasized the importance of giving back to society and supporting young people. He said, “The programme is designed to ensure that no child is left out of school. Education should be a partnership between the public and private sectors to secure a better future for the community.”
He added, “When we compare Nigeria to developed countries, we see significant gaps. The best course of action is to support these children, as they are the future leaders. Education should not be solely the government’s responsibility. In Africa, we lag behind in education compared to other parts of the world, where costs are minimal. We all need to contribute to ensure future generations receive quality education. This is an opportunity for the selected few, and they should maximize it by dedicating themselves fully.”
Osedimilehin further urged the students to remain resilient and focused in the face of challenges, stressing that education can help lift them out of poverty.
Guest speaker, Professor Ayo Agbonjimi, also spoke at the event, raising concerns about corruption in Nigeria’s education system and calling for increased federal funding. He noted, “Everyone knows that education is fundamental to human development, which is why they send their children to schools in Western Europe and the United States.”
He recalled the legacy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who introduced free education in the old Western Region by prioritizing budget allocations. “If Awolowo could achieve this without substantial revenue, then Nigeria can certainly do it. Politicians steal our money, which is why education remains underfunded,” he stated.