Exitements as Deborah Okunloye Foundation doles out millions, stationaries to Kwara students

By Kayode Adeoti

The atmosphere in Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State was filled with palpable joy as the Deborah Okunloye Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation, doled out millions of naira in scholarships and learning material to students.

The Foundation, through it generosity, paid up West African Examination Council (WAEC) fees and well as school fees of numerous students in twenty different schools in Isin Land.

The Okunloye Foundation Project Director, Mr Bidemi Olawuyi, while speaking with the Media, revealed that the gesture was part of the foundation’s social responsibility to complement government efforts towards improving the state education system for the the financially challenged students.

He added that the organisation was established by an Ijara born Evangelist Olaitan Okunloye three years ago in Ijara Isin, Isin Local Government Area of the State to sustain the good legacy of her mother (Deborah Okunloye) by moulding and shaping lives of the young ones in a Godly way.

He said, “One day, the founder of this Foundation, (Evangelist Olaitan) walked into my office to discuss this vision, I was impressed and I encouraged him to expand the scope beyond Ijara Isin so that it will have wider and lasting impact. Now, all schools in Isin land are beneficiaries. What an amazing gesture, he’s not richer than some people but the zeal to impact lives drives him”.

Olawuyi, however, urged the students to shun all forms of criminal activities like cybercrime which is mostly called ‘Yahoo Yahoo’ and ritual killings saying they should embrace every good opportunities to be successful in life.

He added that they should use their youthful age judiciously to prepare for the future saying history has shown that those who engage in cybercrimes don’t leave long before they are caught up by the law enforcement agency or even death.

The Trustee Secretary of the foundation, Mrs Monisola Soul, while delivering her speech, urged the students to be focused, determined, courageous and hardworking.

“The Foundation stands as a shining example of what it means to invest in the future, because every educated child is a seed of national transformation. To the founder and team of the Deborah Okunloye Foundation, we say thank you. Your dedication to educational empowerment is helping shape destinies and rewriting stories. You are building a legacy that will echo for generations.

“Education remains one of the most powerful weapons in the world, one that cannot be stolen, lost, or destroyed, it opens doors. True education is not just about passing exams; it is about learning how to think, not what to think. It is about curiosity, courage, and creativity. It is about values, honesty, kindness, perseverance, and humility.

“Those who succeed in life are not only the smartest; they are often the most disciplined, the most focused, and the most determined.

“To the Foundation’s beneficiaries, you carry a name, a vision, and a mission. You represent hundreds of children who are still hoping for the kind of opportunity you have today. So, study hard. Dream boldly. Use your scholarship not only to build your future but to become an instrument of hope for others. One day, when you have reached your own goals, remember to look back to support, and to inspire the next generation, just as someone did for you.

“I believe that among you seated here are future doctors who will heal nations, engineers who will build bridges and technology, teachers who will nurture generations, and leaders who will restore integrity to governance. Never underestimate the power of your potential. Your background may explain where you started, but it should never determine where you end”. She said.

In his address, Pastor Femi Okunloye stressed the need for teachers to prioritize the spiritual development of their students, teaching them the fear of God and demonstrating a life of integrity and moral excellence.

In an heartfelt expression of appreciation, Mrs Bolanle Odetoya, ANCOPSS Chairperson, Isin Zone, lauded the Okunloye Foundation for its tireless efforts in supporting the youth, beseeching the Almighty to safeguard them from harm and illuminate their paths to success.

One of the beneficiaries, Hannah Marcy from Victory College expressed her heartfelt appreciation saying God has answered her prayers by providing the money to upset the school fees.

The twenty schools that benefited from the Okunloye Foundation gestures are:

1. Ijara Isin High School
2. Baptist Secondary School, Oba Isin
3. Central Secondary School, Iji Isin
4. Community School, Tech College, Pamo Isin
5. Jamat, Owu Isin
6. Iwo Comprehensive High School
7. Community Junior Secondary, Oke Oyi
8. Egii Owu Isin
9. Isanlu Baptist Grammar School
10. Isanlu Comprehensive College
11. Community Secondary School, Olla
12. Community Junior Secondary School, Igbesi
13. Oke Onigbin Secondary School
14. Community Secondary, Eleyin
15. Alla Grammar School
16. Victory Comprehensive College, Edidi
17. Muslim Community Secondary School, Oke Onigbin
18. Oke Aba Secondary School
19. ECWA Secondary School, Odo Eku
20. Muslim Community Secondary School, Odo Eku