…Says Initiative Aims at Complementing Gov. Oyebanji’s Free Education Programme
By Daniel Abe
In a rare demonstration of commitment to community service and educational development, the Councillor representing Odo-Owa Ward in Ijero Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Hon. Temitope Akinola, has distributed cash gifts totaling one million naira to all the 2026 National Examination Council (NECO) candidates of Odo-Owa Comprehensive High School, with each student receiving ₦20,000.
The programme, which took place on Tuesday at the school hall, was graced by several dignitaries, including the Executive Chairman of Irede LCDA, Hon. Ayo Awe, represented by the Secretary to the Council, Hon. Isaac Olatunde; the Vice Chairman, Hon. (Mrs.) Folake Oyewumi; the Olowa of Odo-Owa Ekiti, HRM Oba Gideon Oyedeji; Board Member, Fountain Agricultural Marketing Agency, Chief Friday Omoyelu; members of the Ijero Local Government legislative arm, the school Principal and parents of the beneficiaries.
In his address, Hon. Akinola, who is also an alumnus of the school, said the initiative was born out of his passion to ease the financial burden on parents and to complement the free education programme of the Ekiti State Government under the leadership of Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
He also explained that the gesture, which coincided with the second anniversary of his inauguration as Councillor, was also aimed at giving back to his alma mater.
Hon. Akinola acknowledged the prevailing economic hardship facing many families, noting that the financial assistance would help ease the burden on parents and enhance access to quality education for the students.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Oyebanji, Kabiyesi Olowa, party leaders, and his parents for their continuous support and guidance, while calling on party members and residents of the town to support the re-election bid of the Governor.
Hon. Akinola also enjoined the students to remain focused on their studies and to make judicious use of the money given to them.
In his remarks, the Olowa of Odo-Owa Ekiti, HRM Oba Gideon Oyedeji, who spoke through High Chief (Mrs.) Taiwo Ogundipe, lauded the initiative, describing it as unprecedented in the history of the town.
The monarch expressed surprise that a councillor with limited resources could embark on such a laudable initiative and offered prayers for Hon. Akinola to attain greater heights in his political endeavours.
Various speakers at the event, including the Chairman of Irede LCDA, Hon. Ayo Awe; Vice Chairman, Hon. (Mrs.) Folakemi Oyewumi; Board Member, Fountain Agricultural Marketing Agency, Chief Friday Omoyelu; APC Ward Chairman, Mr. Folorunso Ogunmodede; School Principal, Mrs. Comfort Olanrewaju; and PTA Chairman, Alhaji Bashir Owoyemi, among others, praised the Councillor’s support.
They described him as a compassionate young politician who understands the struggles of the less privileged and values education as a tool for societal transformation.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Head Students, Master Dayo Ogunmodede and Miss Omowumi Ajayi, expressed gratitude to Hon. Akinola and assured him that they would make judicious use of the support.
Mrs. Rebecca Omotoso, who spoke on behalf of the parents, said the assistance came at a critical time and thanked Hon. Akinola for the kind gesture, noting that the initiative had brought immense relief to many parents.
