Osun APC gov candidate fulfils N1m pledge to LAUTECH best graduating student

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The candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the forthcoming Osun State governorship election, Bola Oyebamiji, on Tuesday presented a cheque of N1m to the overall best graduating student of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology’s 18th convocation, Olugbenga Oladeji, fulfilling an earlier promise made to the graduate in recognition of his academic excellence.

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Oyebamiji handed over the cheque while receiving Oladeji in his office in Osogbo, Osun State, where he also offered to support the graduate through further studies.

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The former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority urged youths, particularly those from humble backgrounds, to remain focused and pursue their ambitions without fear.

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Recalling his own humble beginnings, Oyebamiji said hard work and dedication had shaped his success story, expressing confidence that Oladeji had a bright future ahead.

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He assured all that education would receive greater attention if elected governor, adding that brilliant but indigent students would be given opportunities to realise their dreams.

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“When young people excel despite difficult conditions, society must encourage and support them. We must build a culture where hard work, excellence, and perseverance are rewarded.

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“Youth, especially those from humble backgrounds, must face life with focus and without fear. We appreciate our President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, for introducing NELFUND.

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“Oladeji has shown us that if supported, Nigerian youths will excel. By the grace of God, when elected, we will build on the foundation that the President has laid regarding funding of education and other critical sectors,” Oyebamiji said.

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Earlier, Oladeji, who was accompanied by his mother, Mrs Bisi Oladeji, described the support he received from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund as life-changing.

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The graduate, who hails from Ijimoba community in Ejigbo Local Government Area of Osun State and is the son of a clergy and farmer, said the intervention helped him complete his studies successfully.

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His mother, while appreciating Oyebamiji for the support, said the family relied heavily on loans from cooperative societies and financial institutions to fund the education of their three children.

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“This support came at the right time. There were moments we did not know how we would pay fees, but we kept trusting God and pushing forward,” she said.

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Mrs Oladeji also commended President Bola Tinubu for the Federal Government’s NELFUND initiative, which she said had provided relief for many struggling students.

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The PUNCH in April reported that the campaign organisation of Oyebamiji had earlier announced the N1m donation to the overall best graduating student of LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Oladepo Caleb Olugbenga.

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The donation was in appreciation of the dedication demonstrated by the graduate in his studies.

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Omowaiye said Oyebamiji was delighted by the student’s academic feat, noting that his testimony on the impact of NELFUND showed that Nigerian youths could overcome barriers with adequate support.

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Oladepo graduated with a CGPA of 4.89 out of 5.0 to emerge as the overall best graduating student at the university’s 18th convocation ceremony.

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