By Ghazali Ibrahim 
In a bid to promote education and provide opportunities for higher learning, the Chairman of Ijede Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Motunrayo Gbadebo Alogba, has continued her annual tradition of distributing free JAMB/UTME forms to indigent students within the council.
This year marks the fourth consecutive edition of the educational support initiative.
The distribution ceremony took place on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at the council’s secretariat, where Hon. Femi Kabir, the Vice Chairman of Ijede LCDA, represented the council chairman.
In his address, Hon. Kabir emphasized the importance of education in shaping the future of the community.
“Here in Ijede LCDA, we believe education is the cornerstone of progress. We understand that not every family can afford the high costs associated with higher education. This is why, for the past four years, we have prioritized this initiative to ensure that indigent students are not left behind in their pursuit of academic success,” said Hon. Kabir.
A total of 200 free JAMB/UTME forms were distributed to qualified indigent students in the community, enabling them to sit for the university entrance exams without the financial burden.
The initiative, which has already impacted numerous students in the previous editions, aims to open doors to higher education for those who may not have had the opportunity otherwise.
Hon. Kabir also highlighted other key initiatives of the council aimed at promoting economic empowerment, including vocational training and digital literacy programs.
Beneficiaries of these programs are provided with essential start-up kits to help them become self-reliant and contribute positively to the local economy.
The free JAMB/UTME form distribution is part of a broader strategy by Hon. Alogba’s administration to ensure that education remains a priority in the council area. By helping students access education and training, the initiative is designed to equip the youth with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the future.
Beneficiaries of the free forms expressed their deep gratitude for the opportunity, calling the initiative a lifeline to their dreams of higher education. Many said it has given them a renewed sense of hope for a brighter future, with some already planning their academic journeys for the upcoming JAMB exams.
In her statement, Hon. Alogba reiterated her commitment to supporting education and creating pathways for students to succeed, noting that this initiative would continue to grow in the coming years.
“The success of this initiative lies in the power of education to transform lives. We are proud to continue offering this support to our youth, and we will remain dedicated to empowering them for a successful future,” she said.
