By Oladele Damilola
The ancient town of Ilogbo Asowo in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State came alive on Saturday, March 21, 2026, as the Ancestral Pride Foundation (APF), Ilogbo Chapter, held its maiden edition of the Award and Certificate Presentation Ceremony for UTME beneficiaries at the palace of the Onilogbo of Ilogbo.
The event, which drew a distinguished audience of traditional rulers, government officials, education stakeholders, and community leaders, marked a significant step toward youth empowerment and educational advancement in the community.
In his address, the Host President and Principal of the Foundation, Chief (Dr.) Fasola Faniyi Babatunde (BSc, PGD, FICA), who is also the Araba of Ota Kingdom, expressed gratitude to God and appreciation to all dignitaries present, including Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, Deputy Governor Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, and the Executive Chairman of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, Hon. Lawal Adewale Wasiu FCA.
https://www.octagonagentsofdevelopmentdirectory.com.ng/uploads/3dce8b3671_1774125706.jpegChief Fasola described the occasion as a celebration of “hard work, dedication, and perseverance,” noting that the sponsorship certificates presented to the beneficiaries represent not only academic recognition but also a commitment to leadership, excellence, and service to humanity.
“Education is a powerful tool that can break barriers, create opportunities, and transform lives,” he stated, urging beneficiaries to remain focused and determined in their academic pursuits.
The Royal Father of the Day, His Royal Majesty Oba (Barr.) Samuel Olufemi Ojugbele, the Onilogbo of Ilogbo Asowo, commended the Foundation for its impactful initiative and charged Chief Fasola to prioritize the development of Ilogbo as a proud son of the soil. The monarch reiterated his lifelong commitment to education, recounting his personal efforts in supporting students through proceeds from his farm and his past struggle to secure a school for the community during the administration of former Governor Gbenga Daniel.
Kabiyesi Ojugbele expressed joy in seeing individuals like Chief Fasola continuing in the same path of educational support, emphasizing that his greatest pride lies in seeing Ilogbo sons and daughters well educated.
The ceremony featured goodwill messages and encouragements from notable personalities, including the Akeweje of Ilogbo Asowo, Mr. Edeth E.A., who described the scholarship as a rare privilege and urged beneficiaries to maximize the opportunity. He further disclosed that the overall best student would receive a full scholarship from the Foundation.
Comrade Egbewunmi Olatunji, Media Consultant to the Foundation, highlighted APF’s eight-year track record of impactful programs, including Yoruba Quiz Competitions across secondary schools in Ado-Odo/Ota, humanitarian outreach such as free eye care services, and continuous support to orphanages and vulnerable groups. He added that the Foundation has received several recognitions from reputable organizations within and outside Nigeria.
Other speakers, including Damilola Oladele, Editor of The voice Magazine, and Mrs. Olalekan Mary, Proprietress of E-Boat School, encouraged the beneficiaries to take their studies seriously and make the community proud. Mrs. Olalekan also offered her school as a venue for coaching classes to support the students.
A highlight of the event was a testimonial by Mr. Moses Dorin (popularly known as Agba Moses), a beneficiary of the monarch’s scholarship, who shared his inspiring journey from secondary school to graduating in Electrical/Electronics Engineering from the University of Lagos. He pledged to support the new beneficiaries academically, particularly in mathematics and related subjects.
The event also recorded the presence of key community figures, including Youth Leader Comrade Kamarudeen Ibitoye, Women Leader Alhaja Bunmi Kadijat, Elder Bola Fatokun, Baale Omitoro, and Mr. Abideen Akinpelu, Director of Education, Lagos State.
The ceremony commenced with an opening prayer by Sheu Abdulrasaq Arowolo and concluded with a closing prayer by Baale Omitoro.
As the curtains fell on the historic maiden edition, stakeholders expressed optimism that the initiative would not only uplift young scholars but also foster sustainable development in Ilogbo Asowo and beyond
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