The Gbemiga Abiodun Education Support Programme, an endowment scheme put in place by the Abiodun family to support the education of indigent students in Remoland, has so far disbursed N252 million to 932 beneficiaries across Primary, Secondary, Technical, and Tertiary institutions in the state over the last three years.
The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, made this known during the disbursement of another scholarship funds to beneficiaries at an event held at the Christ Apostolic Grammar School, Iperu, Ogun State, on Tuesday.
Governor Abiodun noted that the education support programme, launched on the 7th of October, 2023, has stood as a beacon of compassion, purpose, and empowerment for indigent learners across Remoland and the state as a whole, adding that the vision of the program was to ease the financial burden of education on talented and determined learners.
"In 2023, when we started, we had about 550 beneficiaries; in 2024, it increased to about 700 beneficiaries, and in 2025, that number has increased to 900 beneficiaries.
"Beyond the numbers, what we have experienced are stories of hope—children who once faced uncertainty are now smiling with renewed confidence, parents expressing gratitude, and communities inspired by the ripple effects of this gesture.
"This foundation was established in loving memory of a young man whose life, though brief, passed at the age of 24 and continues to inspire compassion, creativity, and courage. Through this program, he lives on in our hearts," he said.
The Governor, while noting that his family would continue to ensure that the legacies of his late son, Gbemiga, live on through the lives of students who benefit from the scholarship programme, added that Gbemiga, during his lifetime, envisioned a world where young people exploit their passions, pursue their education, and make meaningful contributions to society.
Prince Abiodun urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the education support to grow themselves towards shaping the future, saying that they should allow the scholarships to ignite their dreams, reminding them that they are capable of greatness beyond measure.
"This gathering is close to my heart because it reflects the passion of kindness that Gbemiga held very highly and the principle that I hold most dearly: that education remains the greatest investment in human capital and the surest path to a brighter future.
"Do not be afraid to dream big; don't be afraid to aim high and work tirelessly towards your life goals. Life is not measured by its length but by its impact. Use every chance you get to learn, to grow, and to make a difference. Your background does not define your destiny; your belief and resilience are what define you and what you become in life," he said.
The Governor also noted that he has given the programme coordinators the charge to provide oversight, saying that it is not enough to provide funding but more important to also get close to the families to understand why a child has been absent from school more times than they should be and to also know about the problems the children are having, to ensure that they are of the right mind.
Earlier in his remarks, Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, commended Governor Abiodun and his family for coming up with the Education Support Programme, which he said has been able to support education in the state and the country as a whole.
Prof. Arigbabu added that federal institutions as well as eight technical colleges in the state, would benefit from the Gbemiga Abiodun Education Support Program.
The Commissioner disclosed that the Ogun State government has turned around the entire technical education landscape in the state, noting that technical colleges in Idi-Aba in Abeokuta, Ilara-Akaka, Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu-Igbo, Igbesa, Ajegunle, among others, now wear a new look.
"It will also interest you to note that the technical education sector we included is also in tandem with what the federal government is doing. Now, the federal government is giving scholarships to all the learners that will enter the technical colleges, so bringing this category is very important. This year, there is an increase of 25% over and above what we had in 2024, and the inclusion of 75 students from the eight technical colleges in Ogun State is remarkable," he said.
The Vice Chancellor of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Prof. Ayodeji Agboola, who spoke on behalf of tertiary institutions in the state, appreciated Governor Abiodun for the initiative, saying that the Gbemiga Abiodun Education Support Programme has brought succor to the faces of brilliant indigent students.
A friend of the late Gbemiga, Afolabi Seriki, encouraged students to use the support wisely, saying that with the Gbemiga Abiodun Education Support Programme, their future is bright.
Oyindamola Abiodun, sister to the late Gbemiga, described her brother as not just a caring human being but a gentle and godly man who looks out for the success of others around him.
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