No fewer than 62 students who are beneficiaries of the Secretary to Ogun State Government (SSG), Mr. Tokunbo Talabi Educational Scholarship Scheme, drawn across eight Public Primary and Secondary Schools in Ijebu-North Local Government Area of the State have shown appreciation to the benefactor.

It would be recalled that the SSG had earlier promised people of his local government of scholarship opportunities to 100 students, and other empowerment initiatives for market women, traders, clergy wives and youths.

Speaking in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta while receiving parents of the beneficiaries, who came on a thank you visit, Mr. Talabi said that his quest to give back to the society was to reciprocate the free and quality education he enjoyed, and to further deepen the positive impact of the Governor Dapo Abiodun-led government in the education sector.

Talabi noted that the scholarships covered tuition fees, boarding facilities, uniforms, bags and school sandals, assuring that more indigent students in public and private schools would benefit from the scheme.

According to him, “I schooled in Ogun State and we are here today standing among those who are accomplished professionals in the world, shoulder to shoulder.

Somebody gave us those opportunities and it is only proper for us to extend that opportunity to those who are willing to take the advantage and this has spurred me to do so”.

He acknowledged the contribution of the Head of the Scholarship Strategy and Logistics, Prof. Wole Banjo, for supervising the nomination of the students, adding that the scholarship programme would cut across boards, as children who were interested in attending private schools would also be considered for the scholarship.

In his remark, Prof. Banjo, who is also the Vice Chancellor, Tai Solarin University of Education, commended the SSG for his charitable contributions to the self-actualisation of the indigent children, saying the gesture was an enviable and significant one that other public-spirited people should emulate.

On her part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mrs. Abosede Ogunleye, said the passion of Mr. Talabi was an invaluable investment and a way of giving hope to the hopeless, to ensure a better future for the younger generation.

Two of the parents, Alhaji Yaya Adeniyi and Mr. Adebajo Aduragbemi in their remarks, expressed gratitude for the thoughtfulness of Mr. Talabi, saying they would take optimal advantage of the opportunity.