HoS, siblings honour parents’ memory with scholarship for 45 pupils

Olubunmi Oni, the Head of Service (HoS) of Oyo State, in collaboration with her siblings, has awarded free scholarships to 45 students in honour of their late parents.

Speaking with journalists in Ilorin, Kwara State, Oni explained that the initiative was introduced to commemorate the 60th wedding anniversary of their late parents, Joshua Ogunkeyede and Rachel Ogunkeyede.

She noted that the scholarship scheme is aimed at supporting indigent students and ease their academic journey. Since its inception in 2024, the programme has benefitted 45 pupils across different levels of education.

According to Oni, the scholarship cuts across the six geopolitical zones of the country, and it is part of the legacy their parents left behind.

“Our parents taught us to do good within our capacity to all men. We pray this will continue. It started in 2024, and we believe we will be able to do more for indigent students who apply,” she said.

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The HoS added that the scholarship covers pupils in primary and secondary schools, as well as undergraduates in tertiary institutions across various disciplines. In some cases, brilliant students are provided with laptops, while indigent beneficiaries receive monthly stipends.

Oni further explained that the programme is both a celebration of their parents’ union 60 years ago and a continuation of their values. She recalled that Joshua Ogunkeyede passed on in 2022, while their mother, Rachel Ogunkeyede, died in 2014, describing them as humanitarians who instilled discipline and nurtured a culture of giving back to society.

She added that the initiative complements government efforts to ensure Nigerian children access quality education and become productive citizens.

Appealing to well-meaning individuals and organisations to support similar causes, Oni said:

“There is no amount that is too small. We started this initiative after the passing of our parents. Earlier, we sponsored some students in our hometown church, Emmanuel Anglican Church, Esa-Oke, in 2024 to mark 10 years of our mother’s passing. We are comforted knowing that we are doing what they would love their names to be remembered