The sleepy town of Ipe in Akoko South East Local Government Area of Ondo State will come alive on Saturday, July 27, 2013 as His Royal Majesty, Oba Francis Ola Apata, the Olupe of Ipe land, hosts other traditional rulers in Akoko land at the 2013 edition of the annual Jacob Abiloye Foundation scholarship award to students of Ondo State origin as one of the activities lined up for commemoration of this year’s Ipe day to be chaired by Senator (Prof.) Ajayi Boroffice, Chairman, Senate Committee on Science and Technology.
In its 8th year, the annual Jacob Abiloye multi-million Naira social intervention scheme instituted to empower youths and advance educational development in the state has benefited over 500 undergraduates from Ipe, Isua, Ifira, Sosan and Epinmi towns in Akoko South East LGA of Ondo State in various tertiary institutions across the country. This year’s edition will include a football competition hosted by Martins Abiloye to foster unity amongst youths of the comprising towns.
Commenting, His Royal Majesty, Oba Francis Ola Apata said “This year’s Ipe Day celebration which marks the celebration of our cultural heritage and the New Yam festival has been infused with so much glamour and pageantry that even our ancestors will be moved to tremendously bless our land and children”.
“Specifically, the scholarship scheme instituted by our son, Martins Olutade Abiloye, has significantly impacted and brought progress to Akoko land, adding that his generosity and kind-heatedness has given hope to a lot of families”.
“God will bless Martins; he is a role model and shining example of an Akoko son. He has empowered many and raised breadwinners for several homes by giving their children education. I am always happy to present cheques to the beneficiaries annually”.
On the annual scholarship award scheme, Mr. Abiloye Martins, Chairman, Mart Signature Ltd who instituted the scheme on behalf his father, Chief Jacob Abiloye, a community leader and philanthropist, said that he choose education as the vehicle to impact the society because of its limitless powers. “You know what education can to any human being. I choose education as a vehicle through which I can touch lives because I want a limitless impact; education will enable beneficiaries understand the philosophy behind the action and urge them to replicate it”.
On the qualifying criteria, Mr. Martins Abiloye said that students only need to demonstrate brilliance and commitment to academic excellence which will be evidenced by the quality of their academic performance while stressing the fact that it must be evident the that the student is lacking in financial support to enable them draw from the scholarship scheme. He added that, “If these criteria are not there, the essence of the scholarship scheme will be defeated because we seek to promote socio-economic balance in the society by supporting underprivileged students who have shown evidence mental resourcefulness”.
Over the past 8 years, Jacob Abiloye Foundation has spent over N25 million on its annual scholarship scheme. This year’s edition of the scholarship scheme will gulp N3m with each of the 100 receipts collecting N30, 000.00 each. Also, donation of books worth N2m will be made to neighbouring secondary level institutions to encourage the culture of reading.
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