By Ghazali Ibrahim
The Chief of Staff to the Executive Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Mr. Issa Maruf Olayinka, has reaffirmed his commitment to youth empowerment and educational development by sponsoring five indigent but outstanding students to higher institutions of learning.
The scholarship, valued at N100,000 per beneficiary, covers tuition, books, and stipends for the 2025/2026 academic session.
It represents a personal initiative of Mr. Olayinka under the IMO Scholarship Foundation, in alignment with the education-focused agenda of the administration of Hon. Abdullahi Sesan Olowa.
At the presentation ceremony held at the Ibeju-Lekki Council Secretariat, Igando-Oloja, Olayinka described education as “the cornerstone of progress” in the local government, emphasizing that investing in young people is the most sustainable way to build a prosperous future for the community.
“These scholarships are not mere financial aid but investments in our shared future. We want our young people to know that diligence, commitment, and integrity will always be rewarded,” Olayinka said.
He recalled that the initiative began earlier in the year when he personally presented JAMB forms to the same students on February 26, 2025, and later visited their parents and guardians for further engagement.
The five beneficiaries have now gained admission into various Nigerian universities to pursue degree programs in Medical Laboratory Science, Civil Engineering, International Relations, Biochemistry, and Industrial Engineering.
The beneficiaries include: Rasaq Nofisat Omowunmi, Olajide James Temiloluwa, Wakilu Samuel O., Karufi Alimah, and Omoshalewa Firdaous.
The event attracted several dignitaries, including youth leaders, union representatives, and political stakeholders, among them Comrade Ibrahim Ogunbanwo (NYCN State Treasurer), Mopelola Adunni Hadiza (NAILS President), and Ambassador Oladimeji Ibrahim, Technical Adviser to the Chairman on Youths and Sports Development.
Olayinka expressed appreciation to the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership in Lagos State, notably Chief Bode Oyedele, and the Executive Chairman, Hon. Abdullahi Sesan Olowa, for creating an enabling environment that encourages initiatives promoting human capital development.
“We thank God Almighty for His guidance, and we remain grateful to our party leadership for providing the platform to impact lives positively,” he added.
Through this gesture, Mr. Issa Olayinka continues to demonstrate the Olowa administration’s vision of inclusive governance, where every young person in Ibeju-Lekki is given the opportunity to thrive academically and contribute meaningfully to society.
