The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has awarded scholarships to over 270 secondary schools students across Southwest in the last two years.
This was disclosed by Adeyanju Olaoluwa, the coordinator of the scholarship and the Southwest Educational Competition Save Education Project, when some of the beneficiaries visited the traditional ruler on Wednesday, in Ile-Ife.
Mr Olaoluwa said the project was sponsored by Ooni, as part of his achievements in the last two years on the throne of his forefathers, adding that the monarch had been paying the school fees of the less-privileged.
According to him, the monarch asked him to shortlist students that were financially incapable and we were able to shortlist students from 37 schools.
The coordinator added that 68 students had their WAEC fees paid in 23 of the schools visited, while 14 others would be visited soon.
Mr Olaoluwa commended the Ooni for his fatherly role in the lives of these children.
He said on many occasions, the royal father had compelled some politicians to come to the aid of the students with no positive result till date.
The coordinator urged NGOs, philanthropists, politicians and meaningful Nigerians to emulate the Ooni in assisting the less privileged in the society.
Responding, the Ooni returned all the glory unto Almighty God, who gave him the opportunity to care for the needy.
He called on the students to be orderly, humble and respectful, adding that they should ensure that they face their studies squarely for brighter future.
The monarch recalled that he learnt shoe making when things were tough and boasted of making his shoes by himself.
He urged them never to lose hope and advised them to be ambitious, disciplined, prayerful and focussed for them to get to attain their goals.
Yemi Opawoye-Adeagbo, the vice principal, Ilobu High School, Ilobu, Osun, acknowledged the traditional ruler for assisting the less-privileged students.
Paulina Nwachukwu, of Saint Paulina Missionary School, Lagos, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, applauded the Ooni for his good gesture towards the less privileged.
NAN
