Hon. Waliu Owode Empowers Ijebu East Students with Bursaries and Soilless Farm Training
Ijebu East, Ogun State – March 23, 2025 – Hon. Waliu Owode, Member of the Ogun State House of Assembly representing Ijebu East State Constituency, has once again demonstrated his unwavering commitment to youth empowerment and education by awarding bursaries to 70 deserving students and sponsoring others to the world-renowned Soilless Farm Labs for intensive agricultural training.
The bursary award ceremony, held on Friday, March 14, 2025, was a celebration of hope, ambition, and the transformative power of education. Hon. Owode’s initiatives have been widely applauded by students, parents, and community leaders, who see them as significant steps toward building a brighter future for Ijebu East.
Bursary Awards: Alleviating Financial Burdens
The bursary scheme, organized in collaboration with the National Association of Ijebu East Students (NAIES), is designed to support students from low-income families, enabling them to pursue their academic dreams without financial constraints. Each of the 70 beneficiaries received financial assistance to cover tuition fees, textbooks, and other educational expenses.
In a statement, Comrade Ojikutu Abdul Azeez, representing NAIES, expressed profound gratitude to Hon. Owode for his unwavering commitment to education.
“Your support not only alleviates financial burdens but also inspires hope and ambition among our students. By investing in their education, you have significantly contributed to building a brighter future for our community and demonstrated that the power of education can transform lives,” Comrade Azeez said.
Soilless Farm Labs: Empowering Youth with Agricultural Skills
In addition to the bursary awards, Hon. Owode has been sponsoring Ijebu East students to the world-renowned Soilless Farm Labs for a three-month intensive training program in modern agricultural techniques. This initiative aims to equip young people with the skills needed to thrive in the agricultural sector, which is a key driver of economic growth in Ogun State.
One of the sponsored graduands from the 2025 first-quarter program shared her heartfelt appreciation:
“With a heart filled with gratitude and appreciation, I’m using this medium to appreciate you, sir, for your fatherly love and care towards us, the youth and students at large. Thank you so much, sir, for your great support, both financial and moral. Thank you for keeping to your words. I appreciate the moment I spent there as I also acquired knowledge. You’re indeed a man of integrity, sir. More blessings as I pray you live long for us. Amen. Thank you once again, sir.”
The graduand also shared her certificate from the Soilless Farm Labs, showcasing the skills and knowledge she acquired during the program.
Hon. Owode’s Vision for Youth Empowerment
Hon. Waliu Owode, popularly known as Ifedolapo, has long been an advocate for youth development and educational empowerment. Speaking at the ceremony, he emphasized the importance of education and skill acquisition as tools for personal and community growth.
“Education and skill development are the foundations of progress and development. By supporting these students, we are not only investing in their future but also in the future of Ijebu East and Ogun State as a whole. I am committed to ensuring that every child in our constituency has access to quality education and opportunities to acquire valuable skills,” Hon. Owode stated.
He also urged the beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunities provided, work hard, and strive for excellence in their academic and professional pursuits.
Community Reactions
The bursary awards and Soilless Farm Labs sponsorship have been met with widespread appreciation from the Ijebu East community. Parents, guardians, and students expressed their gratitude, noting that the initiatives would go a long way in easing financial burdens and equipping young people with the skills needed to succeed.
One of the bursary beneficiaries, a tertiary institution student, shared her excitement: “This bursary means so much to me and my family. It will help me pay my school fees and buy the materials I need for my studies. I am grateful to Hon. Waliu Owode for this opportunity, and I promise to work hard and make him proud.”
A Partnership for Progress
The collaboration between Hon. Owode and NAIES highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in driving community development. Comrade Ojikutu Abdul Azeez, in his remarks, praised Hon. Owode’s leadership and commitment to empowering the next generation.
“This initiative exemplifies the spirit of service and the unwavering belief in the potential of our youth. We are proud to partner with a leader who understands the vital role education and skill acquisition play in fostering growth, innovation, and sustainable development within our community,” he said.
Looking Ahead
Hon. Waliu Owode’s initiatives are part of his broader vision to transform Ijebu East into a hub of educational excellence, youth empowerment, and agricultural innovation. He has pledged to continue supporting students and investing in programs that promote access to quality education and skill development.
As the beneficiaries of the bursary awards and Soilless Farm Labs training embark on their academic and professional journeys, the impact of Hon. Owode’s kindness and leadership will undoubtedly be felt for years to come. By empowering these young minds, he has sown the seeds of progress and laid the foundation for a brighter, more prosperous future for Ijebu East.
