In its effort to provide a brighter future for students and combat the issue of out-of-school children in Nigeria, the EMI-KOLA AFOLABI FOUNDATION (EKAF), a prominent non-governmental organization based in Osun State, has successfully granted scholarships to 18 students from secondary and tertiary institutions.
The empowering initiative unfolded on a heartwarming Friday evening at the private residence of the organization’s founders, Sir (Prince) James Adenkola Afolabi and Lady (Chief Mrs) Lucy Emiola Afolabi, located in Osogbo. The primary objective was to bestow the gift of education upon these students, illuminating their paths forward with beaming smiles.
In an interview with Insight Media, Prince Afolabi, filled with joy for the positive impact they’ve made, expressed gratitude to God and their generous benefactors who made this initiative possible. He took the opportunity to advise the beneficiaries on prudent financial management.
“Despite our old age, we continue to save money given to us by our children to keep this initiative running,” he revealed, emphasizing the importance of selflessness and giving back to the country.
Prince Afolabi further urged others, including politicians, to invest in Nigeria, stating, “We have individuals with the capacity to give, but selfishness is plaguing our nation.”
The event was graced by SP Yemisi Opalola, Public Relations Officer of the Osun State Command, who expressed her excitement about the gesture. She shared her aspiration to follow in the footsteps of Sir (Prince) James Adenkola Afolabi and Lady (Chief Mrs) Lucy Emiola Afolabi in the future.
“I love programs like this, and I pray that God gives me the capacity to do more in the future,” SP Opalola declared, encouraging wealthy individuals in society to emulate the Afolabis’ commitment to supporting students facing financial challenges.
Comr. Adebisi Emmanuel, Senior Special Adviser to Governor Adeleke on Civil Society Organization, extended his heartfelt appreciation to EFAF for their support in encouraging students in their academic pursuits. He highlighted the significance of such support in shaping a promising future for these young minds.
Discussing strategies to reduce the number of out-of-school children, Comr. Adebisi Emmanuel revealed that Governor Adeleke is actively working towards this goal and has a generous heart for the people of Osun State.
“In Adeleke University, over 60 percent of students attend on scholarship, and the Governor aims to extend this gesture across the state to reduce the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria,” he stated, urging others to adopt EKAF’s compassionate approach.
“Building houses and accumulating wealth do not necessarily define one’s value; building lives is the most valuable endeavor because it shapes the future,” he concluded.
A piece of advice was also extended to the scholarship beneficiaries to cherish the privilege bestowed upon them and serve as role models in their communities.
One of the beneficiaries, Olapade Olorunwa, a visually impaired student at the University of Ilorin, expressed her gratitude to EKAF for their unwavering support in her academic journey. She passionately called on others to lend a helping hand to students striving to achieve their educational goals.
“People need help in their academic life; they are truly struggling to achieve their dreams,” Olapade Olorunwa emphasized.
Another beneficiary, Ojo Ayomide, a secondary school student, spoke with InsightMedia, he described the opportunity as a life-changing experience, expressing profound gratitude to EKAF for their generosity.
