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By Emmanuel Kehinde, Ilorin
A total of 1,362 pupils and students have benefited from the scholarship awards of a Non-Governmental Organisation, Bayo and Bunmi Babalola Foundation, since the inception of the scheme, the founder of the foundation, Engineer Sunday Adebayo Babalola has said.
He explained that 549 pupils and students benefited from this year’s award, while there had been 813 beneficiaries of the past five editions of 2015/2016, 2016/2017, 2017/2018, 2018/2019 and 2019/2020.
He spoke on Tuesday during the sixth edition of the scholarship ceremony at Omu-Aran, in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. His speech was read by the Chairman of the Organising Committee of the foundation, who is also a retired principal, Mr. Dele Ajiboye.
Babalola also said the NGO had invested about N29.4m in the beneficiaries.
Babalola said, “A total of N10 million (exclusive of organisation costs and logistics for this event) will be invested in 549 secondary school pupils and tertiary institutions students who are beneficiaries of this year’s scholarship of our foundation.
“The beneficiaries comprise 95 pupils from Junior Secondary School 3; 64 from Senior Secondary School (WASC); 169 students from tertiary institutions and 221 others. In the past, the foundation had given scholarships to a total of 813 beneficiaries comprising 522 pupils from primary and secondary schools and 291 students from tertiary institutions. We are happy with the testimonies we hear from the students. We are also grateful to God for them.”
He added, “This non-governmental organisation spent a total sum of N19.4m, comprising N17m directly to the beneficiaries and about N2.4m on logistics, in the past editions.
“We increased the award amount to N10 million to compensate for our inability to hold the award in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, we have invested a total of N29.4m in the beneficiaries (excluding some logistics).
“A total of N10 million (exclusive of organisation costs and logistics for this event) was doled out to 549 secondary school pupils and tertiary institutions students who are beneficiaries of this year’s scholarship of our foundation.
“The beneficiaries comprise 95 pupils from Junior Secondary School 3; 64 from Senior Secondary School (WASC); 169 students from tertiary institutions and 221 others.”
Babalola stated that the investments were aimed to assisting the beneficiaries access education which will provide them the springboard for economical well-being, self-reliance and make them pillars for societal development.
He said, “We have made this whopping investments, not because we have all the money but as our willingness to sacrifice and a show of commitment for the educational advancement of the younger generation. We believe in Luke 12:48 that “To whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.”
“We believe firmly that every child should have good education as education is the bedrock of societal growth and advancement.
“Education is instrumental to the emergence of outstanding professionals, business tycoons, local government, state, national and world leaders. Without education, the society, alas the world at large, will not only stagnate but retrogress. Crimes, poverty, sickness, insecurity, and total darkness, will overwhelm the world without education.”
National President, Omu-Aran Development Association, Major General Yemi Abidoye(rtd) described education as the most valuable asset in life which will make the younger generation true leaders of tomorrow. He lauded Engineer Babalola for his scholarship initiative which, he said, has turned the fortunes of many children who are brilliant but their parents are not capable financially.
He noted that aside from the scholarship scheme, Engineer Babalola also plays active roles in moving the entire community forward. He prayed God to continue to bless him.
The retired military officer advised the students and pupils to emulate their benefactor and shun internet scams and other social vices so that they will be useful for themselves and the society in future.
He also admonished parents and guardians to perform their roles effectively.
Transition Implementation Committee Chairman, Irepodun LGA; Mr. Jide Oyinloye, said government alone cannot fund education.
According to him, it is better to build people than to build houses.
He commended Engineer Sunday and Mrs. Bunmi Babalola for the scholarships and advised the students and pupils to face their studies seriously.
