Hon. Waliu Ifedolapo Owode Makes Headlines as Ogun State Lawmaker Pays Junior WAEC Fees for Outstanding Student
Ijebu East, Ogun State — Education took center stage at the recently concluded National Association of Ijebu East Students (NAIES) Summit and Award Programme, as Hon. Waliu Ifedolapo Owode, Member of the Ogun State House of Assembly and Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, extended a remarkable gesture that has resonated across the community.
During the event, held in Ijebu East, Kehinde Mary Oluwaferanmi, a gifted student who emerged as Best Student of the Year, impressed the audience with her exceptional oratory performance. Moved by her brilliance, Hon. Owode publicly announced that he would personally sponsor her Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) fees, popularly known as the Junior WAEC.
The announcement drew applause from dignitaries, students, and community members present, with many describing it as a symbolic act that underscores Hon. Owode’s commitment to education as a tool for empowerment and community transformation.
“This gesture not only celebrates the student’s excellence but also relieves her parents of financial pressure and motivates other students to aim higher,” one attendee remarked.
Stakeholders at the summit noted that Owode’s intervention is consistent with his philosophy of investing in human capital development. By covering the student’s examination fees, he has reinforced the message that leadership goes beyond making laws — it also requires compassion and tangible support for the next generation.
The NAIES Summit and Award Programme, which attracted youth leaders, stakeholders, and dignitaries, served as a platform to celebrate resilience, intellectual achievement, and community development. Hon. Owode’s gesture has since become a talking point across Ijebu East, setting an example for other leaders to emulate.
As the lawmaker’s act of kindness continues to inspire, one message remains clear: every child deserves a chance to shine, and when leaders invest in education, they invest in the future of society.
