Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, on Monday recounted how a ₦500 scholarship from his village association in Ikaram-Akoko altered the course of his life, as he announced a new education support scheme for public secondary school students in Ondo State.
Oyedele made the disclosure in Akure while delivering the Golden Jubilee commemorative lecture marking the 50th anniversary of the creation of Ondo State, titled “Ondo State: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow – Agenda Setting for the Next 50 Years.”
He noted that he was just seven months old when Ondo State was created in 1976, describing his personal journey as a reflection of the state’s long-standing values of community, education and collective progress.
“My own journey, like that of many sons and daughters of this great state, is a product of these core values and the deep-seated sense of community,” he said. “I stand here today as a proud son of Ondo State from Ikaram-Akoko.”
Oyedele recalled that about 35 years ago, he was only able to register for his final secondary school examinations due to financial support from his village association.
“I recall a moment that cemented my belief in our collective spirit – the five hundred naira (₦500) scholarship from my village association. That modest sum helped me register for my final secondary school examination. Without it, it is unlikely that I would be speaking to you today,” he said.
According to him, the experience shaped his enduring belief in community-driven development and the need to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“This anecdote underscores a powerful truth – our strength lies in our community, our willingness to lift each other up, and our unwavering belief that greatness can emerge from anywhere, with just a little support and unstoppable determination,” Oyedele stated.
To mark Ondo State’s golden jubilee and in appreciation of the support he once received, Oyedele announced a new scholarship initiative targeted at public secondary school students.
“As a gesture of my gratitude, and hopefully to inspire others, I am announcing a scholarship of up to ₦500,000 to cover the final examinations of the best graduating student in every public secondary school in this Golden Jubilee year across the state,” he said.
He explained that the scheme is designed to ensure that no student is denied the opportunity to complete secondary education because of financial hardship.
“No child should lose his or her future simply because they cannot afford to pay for examinations,” Oyedele stressed.
He urged successful indigenes of Ondo State, corporate organisations and community groups to invest more deliberately in education and youth development.
“If every son and daughter of Ondo State remembers where they came from, then no child will be left behind,” he added.
Oyedele also noted that sustainable development is built over decades, not within short political cycles, stressing that the future of Ondo State would be stronger if governance is anchored on policy consistency, strong institutions and long-term development planning.
He said leaders must govern not only for the present, but also for generations yet unborn, adding that priority should be given to stable electricity, poverty reduction and the creation of lasting wealth and prosperity.
By Fidelis David, Akure
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