>By Sanmi Falobi<

About 250 students from communities across Oriade Local Government Area of Osun state are on the edge of having their aspirations for tertiary education fulfilled, courtesy of the Ogbeni Olajide Awe Foundation (OOAF), which, as part of its educational advancement initiatives shall be purchasing and donating UTME forms to 250 students that will be writing the 2025 JAMB exams. The initiative, which is up-scaling the previous year’s gesture where about 100 UMTE forms were purchased for indigent students is part of the foundation’s commitment in advancing education for the youths.

The event, which was also organised as part of the official physical launch of the Ogbeni Olajide Awe Foundation, held at the auditorium of the Youth Empowerment Centre, in Iwoye Ijesa, Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State.

According to the founder of OOAF, Olajide Awe, who was subsequently honoured with the Chieftaincy title of Ariwajoye of Iwoye-Ijesa, by His Royal Majesty, the Oniwoye of Iwoye-Ijesa Kindgom, Oba Ogidiolu Amos Adewumi, Otokobo II, the foundation’s intervention is aimed at bridging gaps in access to education, alleviate poverty, and inspire hope through impactful initiatives.

“It is with a heart full of gratitude and humility that I stand before you on this momentous occasion for the physical launch of the foundation. Today, we gather here not just to celebrate an achievement but to reaffirm a commitment to a purpose much greater than ourselves: the empowerment and education of young minds in our community. First and foremost, I give all glory to God for His grace and favour that have made this day a reality”, he said.

Olajide Awe noted that the gesture, is a way of giving back to society and that the initiative aligns with his tradition of celebrating his birthday, which falls due annually on January 3.

He added that the initiative is to contribute in easing the financial burden on families and as well inspire students to pursue academic excellence.

In his welcome speech, he noted that the OOAF was birthed with a simple, yet profound mission: to empower lives and bring smiles to faces, particularly through education without any political undertone.

“Education is the cornerstone of progress, the tool that transforms individuals and uplifts communities. It is our firm belief that by investing in education, we are building a brighter and more prosperous future for all. Education is not a scam. After carefully observing those deprived of education, analysing those who have experienced the transformative power of schooling, and interacting with passionate learners, I have realised one thing—if there is anything worth pursuing in life, it is education’, he said.

“In January 2024, during the virtual launch of this foundation, we provided 100 UTME registration forms to deserving candidates and supported them with tutorials. Today, as we mark this physical launch, we are proud to distribute 250 UTME registration forms, ensuring more young minds have access to opportunities that can shape their future.

“However, we cannot do this alone. This is a mission that requires collective effort. I invite everyone here—our traditional rulers,  clergymen,  distinguished guests, my network of friends, and community members—to join hands with us on this journey. Your support is vital. Together, we can break barriers, create opportunities, and build a brighter future for the next generation. This is a movement powered by hope, fueled by education, and strengthened by community. Join us as we transform lives—one student at a time”, he added.

Overwhelmed and surprised by the unexpected and unanticipated honour bestowed on him as a Chief, the Ariwajoye of Iwoye-Ijesa expressed his gratitude for the support of the royal fathers and other eminent personalities who graced the occasion.

“I appreciate the presence of your Royal Majesty, The Oniwoye of Iwoye Ijesa Kingdom, Oba Ogidiolu Amos Adewumi, Otokobo II; Your Royal Majesty, the Owaloko of Iloko ijesa, Oba (Dr) Akeem Olusayo Ogungbangbe, Ajagbusi Ekun VI; Your Royal Majesty, the Onitegun of Itegun Ijesa, Oba Oluwaseyi Ogunniyi, and Your Royal Majesty,  Elegboro of Ijebu Jesa, Oba Engr Moses Olufemi Agunsoye, Abikehin Ekun.

I also appreciate the presence of the Iwoye-Ijesa Council of Chiefs, the Clergymen present, our distinguished speakers, my beloved mother and dear family members,  all student bodies, beneficiaries, and members of this great community”, he added.

Meanwhile, the Coordinator of the Foundation, Elizabeth Bamisaye, who is in charge of the registration of students under the scheme, noted that the foundation as a non-governmental, non-profit organization is solely launched to help provide for the less privileged in all sphere of life.

“We would be touching the young and the old as we further progress in life.  We are presently starting with students who are done with secondary school and looking forward to writing UTME in 2025. We would register them, tutor them, and give them guidance in their choice of schools and discipline,” she noted.

She added that the foundation has recorded some testimonies.

“Last year, we obtained JAMB forms for about 70 students and guided them through tutorial classes. As a result, we achieved notable successes. If I am not mistaken, in the entire Oriade Local Government Area, one of our students achieved the highest score of 262, along with other impressive scores such as 251, 245, 236, and 228, which rank among the best results last year. Several of our students also gained admission into higher institutions. So, without a doubt, there are indeed testimonies.

“There are also testimonies from the parents and guardians, including the Oniwoye of Iwoye Ijesa, Oba Amos Adewumi Ogidiolu, Otokobo II, who stated that providing JAMB forms free of charge is one of the successes achieved under his reign as king”, she added.

Giving his perspectives, Michael Babayemi, President of the Federation of Iwoye Ijesha Students’ Union noted that he would be glad to be part of the expected impact of the initiative.

“The programme, being the first of its kind, was really impactful. I’ve not had students message me about a particular course (JAMB) for a long time now, but they’ve been doing that now.

Judging from last year’s results, it has helped lots of students and I believe this year’s will be better than last year’s. I have been responding to the students and telling them the right desks to submit all they need to submit.

If there’s any area I can be of help, I’ll gladly render my assistance/help,” he added.

According to the programme statement of the foundation, other initiatives ahead, apart from educational support shall include skill acquisition, capacity building, and community development projects.