Federal Lawmaker Ogunbanwo Disburses Bursaries to Over 300 Indigent Students in Ogun Constituency
IJEBU ODE – In a significant move to bolster educational access, Hon. Olufemi Ogunbanwo, Member of the House of Representatives for Ijebu Ode/Odogbolu/Ijebu North East Federal Constituency, has disbursed bursary awards to more than 300 indigent tertiary students across Ijebu Central.
The event, held at the Samson Afolabi Anglican Church Hall in Ijebu Ode on Saturday, attracted beneficiaries, parents, community leaders, and political stakeholders. The initiative is designed to alleviate financial burdens and promote sustained academic engagement among students facing economic hardships.
Hon. Ogunbanwo emphasized education as a critical driver of development. “This bursary is to encourage our students to remain focused on their studies despite the prevailing economic challenges,” he stated.
The lawmaker recounted the origin of his commitment, tracing it back to 1990 during his tenure as a University of Lagos student union leader. He explained how he converted a N10,000 intervention meant to dissuade student protests into a bursary for 10 students, an action that later attracted a N25,000 donation from former Military President Ibrahim Babangida.
“That experience marked the beginning of my dedication to supporting students through bursary awards,” Ogunbanwo noted. He reiterated that investing in youth through education remains essential for empowering the constituency and securing its future.
The State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, praised the initiative, describing it as complementary to the state government’s educational vision and the federal student loan scheme. He urged beneficiaries to dedicate themselves to their studies, affirming that “education is a powerful tool for success.”
Beneficiaries Adeyemi Oluwatosin and Akinmola Esther expressed gratitude, describing the support as timely and impactful. They confirmed that the funds would assist with tuition, learning materials, and other academic expenses.
The event also featured the empowerment of 200 widows, further highlighting the lawmaker’s broader social welfare agenda within the constituency.
