By John Odunayo
THE passion for service and the spirit of gratitude and support demonstrated by the executives of Egbe Omo Otun Ekiti, led by a former Head of Service, Ekiti State, Elder Olusegun Bankole, will, no doubt, make them fresh in the minds of members of the association.
Beneficiaries of their kind gestures and indeed the Otun Ekiti community in the Moba Local Government area of Ekiti State will not, as well, forget the contributions of the executives to growth and development in a hurry.
Among others, the yearly scholarship scheme initiated by the executives for secondary and tertiary institutions students remains an inspiration not only to the beneficiaries but students generally and a challenge to community associations in neighbouring communities.
The General Secretary, Egbe Omo Otun Ekiti, Ropo Ajiboye, who said that the 3rd edition of the scholarship scheme held recently at the Palace of the Oore of Otun Ekiti would be the last in the tenure of the outgoing executives, described the three editions held so far as successful and great contribution to development.
The executives did not but appreciate those who contributed to the success of the scheme including the Oore of Otun Ekiti and the Paramount Ruler of Mobaland, Oba Adekunle Adeayo Adeagbo
In a letter of appreciation to the Oore, who is the patron of the scholarship scheme, dated August 25 written on behalf of the association by the Secretary, Ajiboye, the Egbe Omo Otun Ekiti hailed the revered monarch for being there for the association at all times.
The letter to the Kabiyesi stated in part, “Your moral and financial contributions have played an instrumental role in the success of this initiative, which has provided invaluable opportunities for deserving students within our community.
“Your commitment to education and youth empowerment is truly inspiring. Through your generous support, many young individuals have been given the chance to pursue their academic goals, which will undoubtedly lead to brighter futures and a stronger community.
“Your involvement in this cause has not only provided financial assistance, but has also uplifted the spirits of the recipients and their families, reinforcing the importance of education as a cornerstone for personal and communal development.
“The success of the Scholarship Scheme is a testament to your leadership and vision. Your Royal Highness, your dedication to the welfare of our people continues to resonate throughout our community, and we are deeply appreciative of the example you set,” the letter reads.
An elated Oore, who took pride in the initiative and the positive impact, congratulated the leadership and members Egbe Omo Otun “for a job well-done”.
Oba Adeagbo encouraged the students, “Be serious with your education because that is the only link to a bright rewarding future. Let me also advice you to shun vices such as consumption of hard drugs for the boys and acts capable of leading to unwarranted pregnancy for the girls that can jeopardize your future”.
The monarch thanked the Egbe Omo Otun for notable gesture and encouraged the association for mentor-mentee relationships that can guide the children in their academic career.
He also prayed for them and gave his humble contribution by substance to aid the community association.
Ajiboye, while giving a breakdown of the scholarship award, said that a total of 149 students comprising 77 secondary school students and 72 tertiary institutions undergraduates benefitted from the three editions.
He said, “For the 2024 edition, 28 secondary school students and 14 tertiary institution undergraduates totalling 42 beneficiaries got scholarship awards.
“While each secondary school student got N50,000, the cash reward for each of those in the post-secondary category ranges from N100,000 to N120,000 depending on the course of study,” the general secretary stated.
