By Habeeb Ibrahim
More than 200 students of Ikorodu origin have benefited from the second edition of the local government’s bursary programme, with student leaders describing the intervention as an opportunity that should be put to effective use.
The bursary presentation, held under the administration of Ikorodu Local Government Chairman, Hon. Prince Adedayo Ladega, brought together students who received financial support as part of the council’s education intervention.
Speaking after the presentation, President of the Ikorodu Student Association, Comrade Wahab Najeemdeen, said the programme was the second time the bursary scheme was being held, but the first edition organised under the current administration.
“It has been a wonderful day. This is the second time this programme is being held, but it is the first time under the leadership of the Chairman, Honourable Latif Abdulatif Ladega,” Najeemdeen said.
He said the students’ association was pleased to be part of the programme and appreciated the administration for its support towards students.
According to Najeemdeen, more than 200 students benefited from the bursary scheme.
The student leader also linked the intervention to Ladega’s S.E.E.D Agenda, which covers security, education, health and development, saying education had remained one of the areas where the administration had shown attention to students.
“Firstly, I want to appreciate him for his support and constant commitment to the students. He has always been a very supportive person who loves education,” he said.
“Under his agenda, which focuses on security, education, health and development, education is one of his key priorities. He has shown genuine concern for the welfare and progress of students.”
‘We Must Make Good Use of It’
While thanking the local government for the support, Najeemdeen also placed responsibility on the beneficiaries to ensure the bursary serves its intended purpose.
He called on students to work together and appreciate interventions targeted at their education, particularly when local government authorities are willing to engage with student bodies.
“I want us to work together. When we see a good Chairman and a good local government administration that wants to partner with and promote students, we should appreciate that support,” he said.
He added that beneficiaries should make effective use of the opportunities available to them.
“We also need to ensure that we utilise the opportunities we are receiving from him effectively and make good use of them.”
‘He Has Always Been Like a Father to Us’
Najeemdeen further described the relationship between the student association and the chairman as one that predates the bursary presentation, saying Ladega had previously supported the students whenever they approached him.
Asked what he would tell the chairman if they had an opportunity for a private meeting, the student leader said his message would largely be one of appreciation.
“This is not the first time we are meeting. He has always been like a father to us. Anytime we come here to meet him, he has always given us his maximum support,” he said.
“We sincerely appreciate him for everything he has been doing for students.”
The bursary presentation comes alongside other education-focused interventions announced by the Ikorodu Local Government under Ladega’s administration, including support for GCE and JAMB candidates, free tutorials and infrastructure projects in schools.
The chairman, while speaking at the event, said the bursary was aimed at supporting Ikorodu students and their future, and urged the beneficiaries to remain focused on their studies and make use of the opportunity.
