It was all joy and celebration for the 54 beneficiaries of the WAEC fees and cash awards by Senator Sharafadeen Alli representing Oyo South District at the National Assembly on Thursday in Ibadan.
The beneficiaries as well as their parents and guardians commended the lawmaker as cheques were being presented to them during the award ceremony.
The programme held following a four-week free holiday coaching programme organised by the Good Governance and Development Initiative, sponsored by the Senator.
The coaching classes, which saw the participation of 1,635 students, were conducted across 18 centers in the nine local government councils of Oyo South Senatorial District.
At the event, Alli emphasised the importance of investing in education, stating that a better society depends largely on the existence of well educated children.
The politician reiterated his commitment to partnering with the government and other education agencies to improve the stake of learners in the state.
He said, “We decided that the best time to have them is during long vacation to partner with government and other education agencies by adding our own input to what they are doing.
“After the exercise, we decided we need to do more by providing them with WAEC fees and establishing scholarship funds.
“This is to encourage the children to know that when you do well, the society will recognise you.”
According to him, the coaching, the remuneration of teachers, the payment of WAEC fees for 54 students, and the cash awards for the top three students, cost about N20 million.
While commending the Senator, Dr. Yemi Farounbi, a former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines, “I salute my brother in whom I am well pleased. There are senators who spend money on shadow things, things that fade away and can’t add value to the society.
“Senator Sharafadeen Alli chose to invest in the future of these children who will be the leaders of this society.”
Meanwhile, the Senator has indicated his determination to replicate the programme in other senatorial districts in the state.
