Member representing Ayedire State Constituency in the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Elisha Akinyemi Oderinwale, has reaffirmed his commitment to education, promising to sustain his free holiday coaching programme for students in the constituency.
Oderinwale made the pledge during the grand closing ceremony of the fourth edition of the Isẹ̀ólùwà Free Holiday Coaching programme held in Ileogbo, Ayedire Local Government Area of Osun State, where he also presented 175 WAEC forms, 120 JAMB forms and educational materials to students.
The lawmaker said the initiative was part of his manifesto when he contested for the House of Assembly seat and had been sustained for the past four years.
“When I was contesting for a House of Assembly member, this programme was part of my manifesto, and we have been doing it for four years. We are going to continue in many more years to come,” he said.
Oderinwale said the progress recorded by beneficiaries, particularly those who had gained admission into higher institutions, had strengthened his resolve to continue supporting education in the constituency.
“The feedback we are getting every day is impressive. Many of our students are now in higher institutions, and that has been a thing of joy for me because the seed we are sowing is already germinating and bringing out the fruit,” he said.
He attributed the smooth running of the programme to effective planning and coordination by his team.
“Our activities have been going on smoothly because we have a capable hand that plans, organises and coordinates, and everything is going smoothly,” he said.
The lawmaker urged the students to remain focused, set clear goals and stay determined despite challenges.
“My advice for the students is to focus, set a goal and not be deterred or dismayed. By the grace of God, they will come out with testimonies,” he said.
The fourth edition attracted 374 students from 34 schools across Ileogbo, Kuta, Oluponna and other communities in Ayedire Local Government Area, as well as participants from Lagos, Ikorodu, Ibadan and Ilorin.
The programme coordinator, Rasaq Olaniyi Akinkunle, disclosed that while 374 students participated in the coaching programme, 313 were eligible to sit for the final examination after meeting the stipulated attendance requirement.
“These figures are not merely numbers. Behind every number is a child who made the decision to learn, improve and compete,” Akinkunle said.
He said the participation of students from different locations had created healthy academic competition and gradually transformed the programme into an educational platform that transcends geographical boundaries.
Akinkunle urged the students to remain committed to their studies, stressing that participation in the programme was itself an achievement.
“Whether your name will be called among the award recipients or not, I want you to understand that your participation in this programme is already an achievement,” he said.
The guest lecturer and founder of Mind the Gap, Tayo Olosunde, commended Akinyemi for sustaining the initiative over the past four years and urged the students to prioritise education, character development and entrepreneurship.
“Take your education seriously. Build your character. Respect yourselves and others. Learn to disagree peacefully. Dream beyond your immediate circumstances,” Olosunde told the students.
He also encouraged the students to remember their communities and contribute positively to society as they progress in life.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Adeola Ogunrin of the Department of Adult Education and Lifelong Learning, urged the students not to allow their present circumstances to determine their future.
“Your circumstances today do not have to determine your tomorrow,” Ogunrin said, urging the students to read, ask questions, develop skills, seek good mentors and remain curious.
She stressed that academic success must be accompanied by good character, urging the students to become honest, compassionate, responsible and courageous members of society.
The closing ceremony was attended by traditional rulers, political functionaries, parents and other stakeholders. It featured a special guest lecture and career development talk, presentation of motivational materials and awards, as well as educational support for students.
The Isẹ̀ólùwà Free Holiday Coaching programme is aimed at providing students with additional academic support during the holiday period and encouraging them to improve their educational performance.