By Jeleel Olawale
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has given scholarships to 50 students in Ile-Ife, in commemoration of 2022 Christmas festival.
Receiving the children, who are students of primary and secondary schools, as well as schools for persons with Special Needs in his Palace, Ooni urged the children to choose good mentors in society.
In a statement by the Ooni Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare said, Oba Adeyeye who spoke through one of his queens, Temitope Adesegun-Ogunwusi, who doubles as CEO of the Ooni’s NGO; “Hopes Alive Initiatives (HAI)”, Ooni urged the children to remain focused in their education, imbibe the spirit of hardworking and look up to good people with impeccable character as mentors and role models.
“While you listen to music, watch movies and socialize, pick from what is good only. Do not imbibe bad habits because such is capable of destroying you and your purpose in life.
“Kabiyesi cannot wait to hear and celebrate your success stories in the nearest future, so he is urging you to be upright and do right things at all times.
“To our fathers and mothers present, we need to train these children to have the fear of God. When a child fears God, he/she will be diligent, hardworking, obedient to their parents and other people they come in contact with”, Queen Temitope said.
In the same vein, wife of the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Mrs. Olusola Adewusi, described Christmas season as a special moment of reflection on one’s life and exclusive moment of praise to the Most High God.
She said, “Like the queen just mentioned, let us learn from the good life and time of our Lord Jesus Christ and reflect this always. Be good children at home, school and everywhere you go.”
Part of the event was the cultural and academic presentation by the children, during which 50 students were selected and awarded scholarships. Those selected were students of secondary and primary schools as well as students of schools for persons with Special Needs.
The event was organised by Hopes Alive Initiative (HAI) and supported by Property Mart Lead Sponsor, Indomie Instant Noodles, Stanbic IBTC and Ijebu Lawa.