In a remarkable display of commitment to Education and Youth development, the Ikorodu Division Peace Initiative (IDPIL) awarded 30 million naira in Scholarship and Bursary to deserving students from Ikorodu Division in higher institutions on Saturday, 31st August 2024, at the Ikorodu Town Hall, Lagos State, with plans to increase the amount to 50 million naira next year.

In his address, High Chief Adewunmi Ogunsanya (SAN), Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Ikorodu Division Peace Initiative (IDPIL), congratulated scholars and beneficiaries for their academic achievements. He emphasized IDPIL’s commitment to supporting their academic success and strategically positioning them for the labor market.

Ogunsanya announced a significant increase in the Scholarship/Bursary Award fund, allocating N30 million for this year’s beneficiaries. This represents a 50% increase from the previous year’s investment of N20 million. He further revealed plans of IDPIL to increase the fund to N50 million next year, expanding opportunities for more undergraduates to benefit.

The IDPIL Chairman highlighted the organization’s dedication to the all-round development of Ikorodu Division, citing numerous community development and human capacity initiatives. He expressed appreciation for the support of royal fathers, government, public-spirited organizations, and individuals, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in achieving their goals.

Ogunsanya commended the IDPIL Board, Management Team, Scholarship and Bursary Committee, and staff for their selfless commitment and diligence. He also announced a 10,000 naira increment for the dedicated officers of IDPIL and the ongoing construction of a Vocational Centre to accommodate 850 people for residents to learn skill, further demonstrating IDPIL’s investment in the community’s future.

The Chairman expressed gratitude to the royal fathers for their monumental support and encouraged sons and daughters of Ikorodu to return home and build a legacy in the division.

In his keynote address, The Managing Director/CEO of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Mr. Akintunde Sawyer, he emphasized the transformative power of education in building peaceful, prosperous, and inclusive societies.

He noted that education is not merely a tool for personal advancement, but the bedrock upon which communities can build a better future. Sawyer highlighted the importance of investing in youth education, citing Nelson Mandela’s famous quote, “Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world.”

Sawyer commended the Ikorodu Division Peace Initiative (IDPIL) for its efforts in fostering peace and stability through education. He noted that IDPIL’s vocational training initiatives, such as the upcoming 820-space vocational center, demonstrate the organization’s commitment to empowering youth.

Sawyer emphasized that NELFUND shares IDPIL’s vision, providing financial assistance to students to pursue higher education regardless of their economic background.

NELFUND’s mission, according to Sawyer, is to ensure that no Nigerian is denied the opportunity to pursue higher education due to financial constraints. The organization offers student loans that cover tuition fees and upkeep stipend allowances, with repayment terms designed to be fair and considerate of borrowers’ future circumstances.

Sawyer urged stakeholders to continue supporting youth education, emphasizing that every investment in education is an investment in Nigeria’s future.

Alhaji F.O Lasisi, former Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Taxation and Chairman of the Day, He congratulated the chairman, Odofin Adewunmi Ogunsanya, and the executive council of IDPIL for their dedication to educational support initiatives despite challenging economic circumstances.

Lasisi praised IDPIL for increasing the award sum to N30 million in 2024 and announcing a further increase to N50 million for the next edition. He urged well-meaning individuals in Ikorodu Division to support the project, emphasizing its impact on society.

The Chairman commended the recipients of the scholarship and bursary awards, acknowledging their hard work and the support of their families and teachers. He encouraged them to be good ambassadors of IDPIL and to strive for excellence, quoting Benjamin Franklin’s saying, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”

Lasisi’s speech highlighted the importance of education in achieving success and making a positive impact in society. He expressed his pleasure at seeing the contribution of IDPIL bear fruit and thanked everyone present for sharing in the moment.

HRM. Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu Kingdom, urged students in Ikorodu Division to utilize the federal government’s student loan scheme.

He stressed the significance of education and encouraged students to take advantage of this opportunity to support their academic goals. Oba Shotobi explained that the online student loan platform provides financial aid to students nationwide and emphasized that Ikorodu students can greatly benefit from this initiative, which aims to alleviate the financial burdens of tertiary education.

He assured students that assistance is available for those who face difficulties in accessing the loan, saying, “Indigenes of Ikorodu who need help can forward their names to us for facilitation.” Through this initiative, Oba Shotobi reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that no student in Ikorodu is left behind due to financial constraints, promoting the educational advancement of Ikorodu youths.

Otunba Ganiyu Abiru, Secretary of Ikorodu Division Peace Initiative (IDPIL), said IDPIL’s commitment to higher education in Ikorodu Division has resulted in a total of 650 undergraduates benefiting from the scholarship and bursary awards since its inception.

Abiru emphasized IDPIL’s focus on education as a crucial aspect of societal development, as outlined in their SHEER Development Agenda. He highlighted the organization’s investment in educational development, as well as its efforts in security, health, environment, and road rehabilitations.

IDPIL has invested over N500 million in private funds to support local security initiatives, resulting in a significant reduction in crime rates. The organization has also collaborated with state-owned security agencies to ensure peace and security in the division.

Abiru announced the rebranding of the Local Joint Task Force (LJTF) as “Idagiri-Ekun,” symbolizing their commitment to tackling criminal elements. He also highlighted recent activities, including the groundbreaking ceremony of the Adewunmi Ogunsanya Renal Centre, donations to the Nigerian Passport Office, and community development projects.

Abiru congratulated the awardees and encouraged them to be good ambassadors of IDPIL. He called on public-spirited individuals and corporate institutions to partner with IDPIL in building a better Ikorodu Division. Finally, he emphasized the need for government to prioritize education and local food production to address economic tensions.

Hon. Adebimpe Akinsola, Chairman of the IDPIL Scholarship and Bursary Award Committee,  emphasized the importance of quality education in impacting society positively, highlighting High Chief Ogunsanya’s dedication to youth success and the IDPIL Management Team’s tireless efforts. She recognized the support of Royal Fathers, citizens, and volunteers, which has impacted the lives of young people in productive ways.

Since its inception in 2022, the IDPIL Annual Scholarship/Bursary Awards have supported approximately 650 students, enabling them to focus on academics and excel without concern for resources. Akinsola shared success stories of beneficiaries, including Miss Toheebat Tiletile, who graduated with distinction in Education Management, and three medical doctors who recently graduated from LASU.

Akinsola encouraged youths to arm themselves with knowledge, culture, and tradition, emphasizing the importance of supporting academic ambitions. She mentioned the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) as a resource provided by the Federal Government to drive progress for young people nationwide.

Akinsola concluded by urging youths to equip themselves with the right tools, be better prepared, and give themselves the best chance to succeed, reminding them that they are the fabric of the future.

The beneficiaries of the Ikorodu Division Peace Initiative’s (IDPIL) N30 million Scholarship and Award scheme expressed their heartfelt appreciation for the support, pledging to make the most of the opportunity to achieve academic success.