It was an educative, entertaining and cash rewarding event at Bayo Adelabu Foundation Hall, Jericho, Ibadan on April 1, 2018 where a large crowd gathered to witness the ground storming event. Many cynics and Thomases would be forgiven for thinking it was an April Fools prank event because many doubted the possibility of dolling such humongous amount of money to such a large crowd within a day. Quite unbelievably it was a reality and now a thing of the past.
The Agbaakin Parakoyi of Ibadanland himself, Oloye Adebayo Adelabu, was on hand to make possible this huge task of bursary disbursement to over 800 pupils of various institutions. He exercised so much aura, and complete control of the event which marvelled the onlookers.
A man of sincere philanthropy, conscious of the need of his people, the bravery to avoid keeping them waiting a minute longer and within the short period of arrangement, he made the program a reality. It was Eli Broad who commented that 'Charity is just writing cheques and not being engaged. Philanthropy, to me, is being engaged, not only with your resources but getting people and yourself really involved and doing things that haven't been done before'. He was indeed a man of the people and of his words.
The Essay competition stole the headlines for the brilliant participants and the high level of intellectual prowess displayed by all the competitors. The root cause plummeting our economy, associated challenges and unbiased remarks were unlocked, the rots in the system were exclusively elaborated upon and the pragmatic approach to providing lasting solutions were ably pontificated. The essay itself served as a basis for careful research and analysis bothering on inclusive governance in the whole of Oyo state, titled: Achieving Inclusive Development through Government Policy, Programs and Institutions. Quite enlightening, you will remark. Jamiu Idowu, a 500 level student of the Great Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, went home with the star prize of #100,000 while the second and third prizes went to Asudemade Habeebullah and Adeniran Mutolyb Adekola who are both students of the University of Ibadan and they both went home with #75,000 and #50,000 respectively.
There was also the scholarship awards of #50,000 each given out to10 indigenous first class students of Oyo State and you can bet, there was joy and admirations written all over the faces of the recipients.
The event was then capped with beautiful musical performances, motivational talk and talent showcase within the students present. Oyo state have never seen anything like this, many philanthropists anticipate this class act but they are merely mouth actions as they never witness the light of the day.
On behalf of Oyo state students, we therefore express our sincere gratitude to Oloye Adebayo Adelabu for his profound gesture towards the students of the state and like Jonas Salk expressed that 'the reward for work weldone is the opportunity to do more' and we'll certainly do so to offer him the big opportunity in Oyo State come 2019.
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