Ondo Empowers 4,837 Students with OSOPADEC Scholarships and Bursaries

A new chapter of hope has opened for thousands of students in Ondo State as 4,837 beneficiaries from coastal communities of Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas received scholarships and bursaries under the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC).

The official flag-off ceremony for the 2023/2024 awards was held at the OSOPADEC office in Oba-Ile, where the First Lady of Ondo State, Mrs. Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, praised the initiative as a powerful tool for nurturing future leaders. She urged the beneficiaries to remain focused and avoid social vices in order to justify the government’s investment in their education.

“This is not just the beginning of another bursary programme; it is a renewed demonstration of our resolve to secure a brighter future for our children and youth,” she stated, acknowledging Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to inclusive and people-centered governance through the “OUR EASE” Policy Thrust.

Chairman of OSOPADEC, Mr. Biyi Poroye, disclosed that N286.7 million was allocated for the scholarship and bursary scheme this year, describing it as the fastest approval and release since the programme began in 2004. He commended the governor’s prioritisation of education, noting that over 5,000 students benefited last year and assuring that the 2024/2025 cycle will also be implemented without delay.

The National Association of Ilaje President, Mr. Amuwa Franklin, also expressed gratitude on behalf of the students while appealing for an increase in bursary funding to reflect current economic realities, assuring the governor of their continued support.

A new chapter of hope has opened for thousands of students in Ondo State as 4,837 beneficiaries from coastal communities of Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas received scholarships and bursaries under the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC).

The official flag-off ceremony for the 2023/2024 awards was held at the OSOPADEC office in Oba-Ile, where the First Lady of Ondo State, Mrs. Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, praised the initiative as a powerful tool for nurturing future leaders. She urged the beneficiaries to remain focused and avoid social vices in order to justify the government’s investment in their education.

“This is not just the beginning of another bursary programme; it is a renewed demonstration of our resolve to secure a brighter future for our children and youth,” she stated, acknowledging Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to inclusive and people-centered governance through the “OUR EASE” Policy Thrust.

Chairman of OSOPADEC, Mr. Biyi Poroye, disclosed that N286.7 million was allocated for the scholarship and bursary scheme this year, describing it as the fastest approval and release since the programme began in 2004. He commended the governor’s prioritisation of education, noting that over 5,000 students benefited last year and assuring that the 2024/2025 cycle will also be implemented without delay.

The National Association of Ilaje President, Mr. Amuwa Franklin, also expressed gratitude on behalf of the students while appealing for an increase in bursary funding to reflect current economic realities, assuring the governor of their continued support.