By Adeyinka Adeniran
No fewer than 25 students of Oyo indigene from various tertiary institutions of learning in the country, on Tuesday got a school grant of N200,000 to aide their studies.
The grant, the first of its kind, is part of effort to commemorate the fourth year fidau Anniversary of a former governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.
The presentation made by the wife was done through the Senator Abiola Ajimobi Foundation (SAAF) in the presence of guests, family members, political associates, party chieftains who gathered to honor the first two term governor of Oyo State.
The event which featured special prayers for the deceased held at the Oluyole residence of the Ajimobi’s.
Speaking before the presentation, President, SAAF who is also the wife of the late former governor, Dr Florence Ajimobi said since the unexpected transition of their breadwinner, the family have taken steps to continue to preserve the memory and legacies of the former governor.
She recounted that part of the effort was the establishment of a Foundation, the Senator Abiola Ajimobi Foundation (SAAF) adding that since the Foundation’s inception, it had gone into collaboration with the Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies (IPSS), University of Ibadan, organizing the Annual Abiola Ajimobi Roundtable, thus further institutionalising the Roundtable and preserving the legacies of good governance he espoused.
She said “I, on behalf of the family of my dear husband, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, gladly welcome you all to this 4th Year Fidau Prayer in his honour.
Giving glory to the Almighty, it is heart-warming to once again welcome you all to this event, organised to offer prayers for the continued repose of his soul.
“Also, we glorify Almighty God for sparing our lives to witness another year, as we pray He continues to preserve us all, amen.
“Since his unexpected transition about four years ago, we have taken steps to continue to preserve his memory and legacies.
“Among the steps we took was to establish a Foundation in his name, the Senator Abiola Ajimobi Foundation (SAAF). Since the Foundation’s inception, it had gone into collaboration with the Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies (IPSS), University of Ibadan, organizing the Annual Abiola Ajimobi Roundtable, thus further institutionalising the Roundtable and preserving the legacies of good governance he espoused.
“Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, also within the last four years, the Foundation donated a 400- capacity hall and syndicate rooms to the reputable Institute, and, expectedly, this was named Senator Abiola Ajimobi Resource Centre, which now serves as the venue for the annual roundtable, among other purposes for the premier university.
“In his lifetime, my husband, Senator Ajimobi stood for worthy causes. He stood for peace, progress and development, among other notable things. These traits manifested in everything he did in his personal and as well as his official life, even when he served the people of Oyo State, as Governor for an unprecedented two-term (eight years) tenure.
“He focused on the ideals of good governance as well as urban renewal, he was highly interested in, and worked for a peaceful society, he was keen on quality education.”
Speaking on the latest effort, Dr Florence said in arriving at the 25 brilliant, successful recipients, the foundation received 1800 applicants, about 840 met the strict conditions for qualification, adding that, of the number, 333 were in first class CGPA category.
She added that the applicants were further assessed, and based on their written justification for the application as well as strong recommendations from their institutions, the figure was screened to 86, after which a final rigorous assessment was then made, resulting in the 25 successful recipients.
She said “Consequently, and in order to continue that legacy of promotion of quality education, which is one of the goals of the Foundation, we have, this year, instituted an Annual Education Grant for students of Oyo State origin in tertiary institutions in the country.
“This grant is given without discrimination to either sex or political affiliation, the only conditions are; you must be an indigene of Oyo State, you must be brilliant and be of high moral standard.
“I want to gladly inform you that 25 successful awardees, after a keenly competed exercise, from various institutions of higher learning are here with us today to receive the grant.
“In arriving at the 25 brilliant, successful recipients, the Foundation received 1800 applicants, about 840 met the strict conditions for qualification. Of these number, 333 were in first class CGPA category.
“Subsequently, the applicants were further assessed, and based on their written justification for the application as well as strong recommendations from their institutions, the figure was screened to 86. A final rigorous assessment was then made, resulting in today’s successful recipients.
“I hereby heartily congratulate the awardees. However, I want to state here that for those who were not lucky to receive this year’s grant, it was not because they were less brilliant, but the Foundation decided to start with a manageable size and increase the figure over the years, as we continue to grow. The opportunity is still there for those who could not make it this year to re-apply next year.
“And for the successful candidates, I want to enjoin you to see this as another opportunity to continue to improve on your performance. It should also inspire you to give back to the society in the future.
“Finally, I believe that every minute of your patient attendance at today’s event will be highly rewarding and motivating, towards a better society and a standing legacy for the ideals of Senator Abiola Ajimobi.
