In a bid to secure promising future, the 6th edition of Olori kudirat Abosede Shotobi’s Christmas celebration was held at the palace of the Ayangbure of Ikorodu kingdom on the 24th of December 2022.
The program which doubled as an educational scholarship scheme, gave room and better opportunities to brilliant students in public schools across the waterbed region.
Aimed at appreciating the numerous efforts of Parents, Teachers and Students during the yuletide, it hosted Baales, Oloyes, Osugbo erelus, Cabinet members of Olori Kudirat Abosede committee, Ayangbure in-council, Local government education authority, coaches from Ayangbure speeling bees competition among others.
Bags, mathematical sets and dictionaries were provided by the organisers and was presented to both students with scholarships and other attending pupils.
The program originally launched with 5 students benefiting from the scholarship scheme in honour of Dr Temitope Oshikoya, former Deputy Governor, Central Bank Of Nigeria.
As the pupils gained elevation into secondary education, the goodwill course thrived with more assistance flocking in from diverse quotas.
In her official welcome address, Olori Kudirat Abosede Shotobi, expressed gratitude to her husband, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, for his support and steadfast encouragement.
Complimenting headteachers, teachers, schools, corporate bodies, Companies, Chiefs, Families and Friends for also supporting the program with gifts and money, she prayed for continuous provision to further the course.
Olori Kudirat continued, “Christmas is a season of sharing and re-uniting with families and friends to exchange gifts. It is a very special season of love and an opportunity for us to reach out to the less privileged, give aid to the poor and make those around us happy”.
“It is meant for us to touch lives and positively affect our society as we gather to also celebrate the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ”.
“The celebration of Christmas is dedicated to our children the leaders of tomorrow; we need to cheer them up and make it a fun-filled season by filling their hearts with happiness and joy”.
Advising parents to take good care of their children, monitor their activities and watch who they relate with, Olori Kudirat further urged guardians not to be carried away with the festive period, asserting that everyone should be observant and filled with security consciousness at all times.
Representing Education District 2 in Ikorodu, Mr Amusa Afolabi, lauded the paramount ruler and his wife for taking education as a priority under his rulership.
Highlighting strategic roles the king took advantage of to aid academic perfection, Mr Afolabi expressed his appreciation to the king for always granting the requests of his jurisdiction whenever needs arise.
He further urged the king to support in rehabilitation of some dilapidated schools.
In his contributions, the Kabiesi, HRM, Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, disclosed to Ikorodu News Network (INN) that the empowerment program is for the less privilege students in public schools, organised by his wife which has been effective for six years.
“On this edition, the support we got from Kith N Kin schools has allowed us to empower 13 students from Js1 to Ss3, which has been designated to a trust fund”.
“Tindep schools and Strong tower academy also played a role in making this scholarship program possible, as beneficiaries now has the opportunity to be supported even to the university level”.
“Prior to this stage, an interview was conducted by the executive secretary personnels of public schools in Ikorodu, and with about 65 public primary schools, the consultation was carefully carried out, with emerging students presented to Kith N Kin school to fulfil our scholarship promise” the King noted.
On the renovation of schools, the king told the Education Secretary, Mr Amusa Afolabi, that a Lions club in Ikorodu is ready to assist in the upgrading of schools.
He requested the Education District 2 exco member to secure an approval letter from SUBEB in order for the schools to get the needed support.
The King concluded his statements by urging other well meaning individuals to join the course in giving back to the community via education.
Prior to the presentation of scholarships and gift items to the students, Rotimi Erogbogbo, chairman Ikorodu Oga Development Association (IKODASS), exhorted the children to be good ambassador, letting them know the program is organised specially for them.
He clarified the value of parenthood, asking them to pay attention to their parents and teacher who moulds them to become great leaders.
He further urged parents and teachers to be better caretakers of the children.
Otunba Ayodele Elesho, in his vote of thanks credited the Olori for her kind gesture, encouraging the children to focus on increasing their academic ability.
He told the students that the kabiesi became who he is because of his educational qualifications, adding that pupils should never rule out what they stand to gain if they take their studies seriously.
An award of excellence was presented to Olori Kudirat Abosede Shotobi by the Lagos Government Education Authority for her contributions towards educational development in Ikorodu.
The program ended with the cutting of the cake and photo sessions with dignitaries in attendance.
Other guests members include; Excos from IKODASS, Olisa of Ikorodu kingdom, Zacchaus Odusoga, Kilani Folake shonubu Iyaloja of Ikorodu, Salu Apesi, member of ayangbure in council, Chief Kareem Ore, chief Elizabeth Odulate etc.
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