By Abiodun Lawal
Ogun governor, Dapo Abiodun, has handed 10 milion each to Samuel Badekale and Haroun Adebakin, for the best graduating students at the 55th convocation ceremony of University of Lagos.
Abiodun also appointed Badekale and Adebakin Education Ambassadors of Ogun state.
Speaking when he received the two students and their parents at his office in Abeokuta on Friday, Abiodun stated that the gesture was to appreciate the hard work they put in to achieve a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 5.0, thus making the state proud and securing their future.
Abiodun assured that his administration would continue to honour individuals excelling in their careers. He emphasised that such recognition would inspire others to unlock their full potential.
“I commend you for bringing honour to yourselves, your families, Ogun State, and Nigeria. We are appointing you as our Education Ambassadors to motivate students,” he said.
He urged them to consider how they could support younger students. He added that they would participate in programmes where they would visit schools to encourage and mentor pupils.
“As a token of our appreciation, we are giving you ₦10 million each. This reward also acknowledges your parents’ efforts in making Ogun State proud,” the governor said.
Abiodun expressed delight that despite societal challenges, some young men and women remained focused, diligent, and intentional about their academics, achieving outstanding success.
He described their accomplishment as exceptional, highlighting their perseverance, consistency, and discipline in reaching their goals. He commended their determination to excel academically.
“This is the Ogun spirit. I’m not surprised that both of you, from the same department, Cell Biology and Genetics, achieved this remarkable feat in the same year,” he said.
The governor noted that his administration had revitalised the education sector through various reforms, including a learner identification system to monitor student enrolment and performance.
He added that the Learner Identification Number initiative had gained attention from other states, positioning Ogun as a model for educational innovation in Nigeria.
In response, Adebakin and Badekale expressed gratitude to the governor for the recognition, calling it proof of his commitment to improving the education sector in Ogun.
They advised young people to focus on their studies and avoid activities that could bring shame to their families, stressing that education remained a key to success.
(NAN)
