The Gbemiga Abiodun Memorial Education Support Program has awarded millions of Naira to students in primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions across Ogun State.
This initiative, established by the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and his family, was created in memory of their late son, Gbemiga Abiodun, who passed away on October 7, 2017.
During the second edition of the program, which took place at Christ Apostolic Grammar School in Iperu-Remo, a total of ₦39,750,000 was distributed to 159 beneficiaries from nine tertiary institutions within the state. Additionally, ₦14,700,000 was awarded to 294 primary school pupils, and ₦36,600,000 went to 366 secondary school students from Ikenne, Remo-North, and Sagamu local government areas.
Speaking at the event, Governor Abiodun described his late son as a “serial entrepreneur” who was full of life and exceptionally generous.
He emphasized that the foundation has now introduced a new category in honor of his son’s creativity, called the “Creative Students Category”.
According to the governor, this category will identify and support students involved in the creative industries, reflecting Gbemiga’s passion for creativity.
Governor Abiodun reiterated his family’s commitment to expanding the program, stating, “We will continue to increase the number of student beneficiaries and expand this program from the three Remo Local Government Areas where Gbemiga was from, to the other 17 local government areas of the state.”
He also added, “Gbemiga was generous to a fault. If he had ₦100, he would give it all before thinking of keeping five Naira for himself. This program is a continuation of his spirit of giving.”
The governor highlighted that the program began in 2023 with 600 beneficiaries and has now expanded to reach an additional 400 students. The initiative also aims to turn a day of sorrow into one of positive impact, honoring Gbemiga’s compassionate nature.
The foundation’s coordinator, Rev’d Bola Oyeledun, stressed that the program is not solely about financial support but also about guiding students throughout their academic journey.
He called on school administrators to remain open to partnerships with the foundation, ensuring sustained educational growth for the beneficiaries.
Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, commended the Abiodun family for their dedication to education and urged the recipients to excel in their studies.
A close friend of Gbemiga, Afolabi Seriki, reminisced about Gbemiga’s academic excellence and his talent as a renowned disc jockey, further highlighting his entrepreneurial spirit.
Three students representing the primary, secondary, and tertiary categories—Yahaya Soliat, Adebanjo Goodluck, and Evelyn Falaye—expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Governor Abiodun and his family for the financial assistance, noting how significantly it would support their educational pursuits.
The event concluded with the symbolic presentation of cheques to heads of tertiary institutions and the parents of primary and secondary school students.
For those interested in applying for the Creative Students Category, applications are open until October 7, 2025, and applicants must be from Ikenne, Remo-North, or Sagamu LGAs, between the ages of 6 and 25 years. Interested individuals can apply via the foundation’s website at www.gbemigaabiodunfoundation.org
