The Executive Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, Hon. Wasiu Adesina, once again demonstrated his firm commitment to educational development by awarding bursaries worth ₦2 million to 50 indigent tertiary students and presenting a ₦1 million cheque to Master AbdulAzeez Abdulrahman, the celebrated 2024 Lagos State One-Day Governor. In a vibrant ceremony filled with optimism and admiration.
The event, held at the Ikorodu Local Government Secretariat Conference Room, drew the presence of traditional rulers, legislative and executive members of the council, student leaders, and education stakeholders.
The Executive Chairman, whose tenure comes to a close soon, used the opportunity to reflect on the administration’s steadfast efforts in empowering youths through quality education.
“Today, we’re not just presenting bursaries or fulfilling promises,” Hon. Adesina declared during his address.
“We are investing in the soul of Ikorodu’s future — its young people. These students, many from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, embody resilience, brilliance, and the promise of a better tomorrow.”
According to him, the ₦40,000 bursary awarded to each student is a part of his administration’s strategic support system aimed at easing the financial burden on students and their families while encouraging academic excellence.
“No investment yields greater dividends than investing in our students,” he added.
“Even in the face of limited resources, we have prioritized education because we understand its transformative power.”
A major highlight of the event was the symbolic ₦1 million cheque presentation to Master Abdulrahman, an alumnus of Oriwu Model College and now a 200-level Medical Student at Lagos State University (LASU).
Hon. Adesina had promised the gift earlier in 2024 after Abdulrahman emerged as Lagos State One-Day Governor — an annual competition organized by the Lagos State Government to promote leadership, intellect, and civic participation among secondary school students.
“This cheque is not a gift — it is a reward for courage, brilliance, and leadership,” said the chairman.
“Abdulrahman’s journey inspires hope in every Ikorodu child that no dream is too far.”
Council Manager, Mr. Johnson-Agiri Adekunle, praised the Chairman’s visionary leadership:
“This is not just a ceremonial event — it is proof that leadership can be both compassionate and strategic. Hon. Adesina is bowing out with honour, having left an indelible mark in education.”
Head of Department for Education, Ashafa Babalola Olademeji, applauded the initiative, describing it as a timely response to the plight of struggling students:
“This bursary scheme comes at a time when families are grappling with inflation and rising school costs. The Chairman has shown again that he listens and responds to the needs of the people.”
Master Abdulrahman AbdulAzeez, visibly moved, shared heartfelt words of appreciation:
“I’ve been privileged to attend many educational programmes across Lagos, but none touched me like today’s event. Hon. Adesina is a visionary who truly understands the power of education. I pray that God elevates him beyond his imagination.”
Other beneficiaries, drawn from institutions such as University of Jos, Osun State University, LASUSTECH, TASUED, YABATECH, Summit University Offa, and Possil College of Education Ijebu-Ode, also expressed deep gratitude.
Miss Opeyemi Adeola, a 300-level student at LASUSTECH, stated:
“With this bursary, I can now pay part of my fees and purchase books. It’s a huge relief, and I thank the Chairman for remembering students like me.”
The President of Ikorodu Central Students’ Union, Comrade Oshineye Rofia, praised the administration’s consistency:
“This isn’t the first time the Chairman is supporting students. Since his assumption of office, education has remained on his front burner. We will miss his pro-student policies.”
As the administration draws to a close, Hon. Adesina made a passionate appeal to the incoming leadership to sustain the momentum:
“Let education remain the heartbeat of governance in Ikorodu. We may not have done everything, but we’ve given our very best to the future of our children.”
Quoting Nelson Mandela, he ended his address:
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Friday’s event did more than honour academic excellence — it reaffirmed a legacy of vision, compassion, and impact. For the students who walked away with bursaries and for a young governor-in-training who held a ₦1 million cheque in his hands, it was a day that will never be forgotten.
Under Hon. Wasiu Adesina’s watch, education was not just supported — it was celebrated, nurtured, and uplifted.
INN-HOUSE☆ 