Aiyeku Foundation holds 3rd scholarship awards presentation.
– Steve Ovirih.
Chief Dr. Iyiola Aiyeku, United States based , Igbodigo born philantropist and President , Aiyeku Foundation has presented cheques for the third set of awardees of the foundation’s scholarship awards.
The presentation held on Tuesday, 3rd October , 2023 at the auditorium of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, OAUSTEC, Okitipupa.
Dr. Iyiola Aiyeku , bonafide crown Prince of Igbodigo , while delivering his address at the event noted that providing support for youths to pursue their education without let or hindrance is a gesture put in place to sustain the legacy of his father , who himself was an astute lover of education, and who gave his all to ensure that the education of his children was never truncated.
Going further, the Founder and President of Aiyeku Foundation said the idea goes to show that whatever resources one has do not derive utility until it is deployed towards providing succor and relief for others. “Government alone cannot shoulder the responsibility of education , hence the need for individuals with substance and means to step up and assist with worthwhile scholarships for indigent ones in the society as resources spent this way go a long way in furthering growth and intellectual advancement,” Dr. Iyiola Aiyeku stressed. He appreciated Dr. Tolani Aiyeku, Prince Kunle Aiyeku and other members of the Board of the foundation for their worrhwhile input, noting that since 2019 when the foundation had come into existence , it has continued to get better with an ironcaste resolve to ensure that more students are made to benefit from the scholarship awards .
” I want to thank most sincerely, the Vice Chancellor of this university. Prof. Temi Ologunorisa for giving us access to this auditorium and for his support for the lofty dream that the foundation stands for.
” It is a good thing to note that Nursing Science has been approved as a course in OAUSTECH and our Foundation will focus more on seeing to how to partner the university in this regard,” Dr. Iyiola Aiyeku added.
Earlier in his address , the Vice Chancellor , Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, OAUSTECH, Prof. Temi Ologunorisa, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aworinde described the Aiyeku Foundation Scholarship as a benevolent life saver for the beneficiaries , thanking the Board of the foundation , particularly Dr. Iyiola Aiyeku and other stakeholders for sustaining the lofty concept over the years.
In his goodwill address, the Director of the foundation’s scholarship Programme, Prof. Adebiyi saluted Dr. Aiyeku for his love for education and his desire to see indigent students go to school undisturbed by the pangs of lack and indigence. He noted that while he was around as the Acting VC of the University, Dr. Aiyeku reached out to him and sustained discussion on his scheme of assisting indigent Ikale students , maintaining that the founder is a consistent supporter of educational pursuit that is not hamstrung by financial challenges.
Giving updates on the scholarship scheme , the Secretary of the Foundation, High Chief Folorunso Ogunsakin said. ” the foundation was established in 2019 by Chief Dr. Iyiola Aiyeku with focus on supporting indigent students of higher institutions and it also provides succor for unemployed youths as weĺl as people with health challenges.
” So far 60 University undergraduates have benefitted with grants running into millions of Naira and in the 2023 edition, 19 students are benefiting from the scholarship awards,” Ogunsakin added.
The Guest Lecturer. Prof. Akinawonu who spoke on ” navigating the challenges of youth unemployment in Ikaleland ; a comprehensive examination of the issues and solutions,” noted that the gesture of Aiyeku Foundation is praiseworthy as it has continued to empower financially challenged , yet brilliant Ikale indigines .
Prof. Akinawonu noted that unemployment remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing socio- economic challenges with attendant consequences such as rising level of poverty, frustration that births ‘ the Japa Syndrome’ , social vices such as ‘ Yahoo plus’ , kidnapping, ritual killing, brigandage and insecurity. He advocated educational reforms , mentoring and networking, apprenticeship and internship among others as solutions to the myriad of challenges that unemployment has brought to the land.
Major highlight of the event was the presentation of Excellence Award to Abodi of Ikale land, His Imperial Majesty, Oba George Babatunde Faduyile whose biography was presented by his amiable wife, Olori Grace Faduyile.
Also presented with award was the US based Health Expert, Ms. Olupero Ayenumelo, an enthusiast of Aiyeku Foundation.
Speaking with thepolity.net on the fringe of the event, the guest speaker, Prof. Akinawonu said more individuals with big heart like Dr.Aiyeku should come up with scholarship incentives, noting that hardship and financial challenges are making students to drop out of school. He also said universities should brush up their curriculum so as to train students and prepare them for the labour market rather than just being certificate awarding facilities.
Abodi of Ikale, Oba Faduyile in an exclusive chat with thepolity.net said Ikales have a proud son and generous giver in Iyiola Aiyeku whose giving is about accelerating enduring legacy, adding that the success of the event becomes larger than life in the smiles of comfort in the faces of the beneficiaries.
