The Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, has restated his commitment to raising the standard of education in Nigeria.
The Yoruba generalissimo made this known on Monday in Ikeja, Lagos State at at his 53rd birthday anniversary.
Iba Adams, who played host to prominent dignitaries, stated that it has been his dream to support brilliant and indigent students across Nigeria.
The Yoruba generalissimo also disclosed that he had been offering scholarships to best students in tertiary institutions for the past five years, especially during his annual birthday celebration.
He added that such gesture had also helped the beneficiaries in securing better future for themselves.
Adams said: “We started the initiative under the Aareonakakanfo Scholarship Award and the intention is to give the little I have in form of donation to the educational development of the students that are brilliant in their respective discipline across the South West and beyond.
“Each of the students is entitled to a certain amount of money and over the years, the feedback has been awesome.
“It is my own way of giving back to the society.
“We say the young ones are the future of tomorrow, yet we didn’t give them the opportunity to grow, the educational standard drops by the day and many of the Nigerian youths are now involved in uncomplimentary deals.
“Looking at the bleak future, I have decided to change the ugly narratives by seeking the best way to raise the standard of education in the country and offer the youth and the students the best through this initiative.
“Our education sector is in comatose, the future is bleak and there is urgent need for intervention.
“T that is why we need to intervene and I am happy that I rise to the occasion at this critical time to salvage the ugly situation in the education sector.
“The four brilliant students from four tertiary institutions to be awarded this year are: Akinsanya Ganiyat Adedoyin, from Lagos State University; Samad Abidemi Abdul Hamid, from Kwara State University; Khadijat Oladipupo, from University of Ibadan; and Adegbite Victoria, from Olabisi Onabanjo University.
“We have their datas and that of the previous beneficiaries so that we can monitor their progress at every point in time.
“It is my joy and my heavenly spirit usually aligns with helping the poor.”
Speaking about the birthday ceremony, Iba Adams stated further that it is an annual event that has become the tradition.
He added: “People all over the world come together to celebrate with me on the special occasion.
“That is how it has always been in the past 25 years.
“Every year,I gather people from all walks of life to rejoice and celebrate with me on the special occasion of my birthday.
“It is a special day for me and I am always happy to see how people come from all over the world to celebrate with me.”
Prominent royal fathers, business tycoons, eminent personalities and dignitaries from Nigeria and abroad were present at the event.
