An indigenous group committed to the development of Ona Ara Land, the Ona Ara Development Forum (ODF), under the leadership of Alhaji Kola Bolomope, has once again demonstrated its dedication to education by awarding scholarships to over 150 indigenous students across secondary schools and higher institutions.
The scholarship awards were presented during a special event held on Friday, March 28, 2025, at the Main Hall of the Ona Ara Local Government Secretariat in Akanran.
In his welcome address, the President of ODF, Alhaji Kola Bolomope, expressed his gratitude to all attendees and specially appreciated the generous donors whose contributions made the scholarships possible.
The chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Sulaimon Oladiti Oladepo, a former Secretary to the Oyo State Government and Head of Service, who also serves as a member of the Board of Trustees, commended the leadership of Alhaji Kola Bolomope for their unwavering efforts in improving lives within Ona Ara Land. He also lauded the children of Chief Mustapha Bayo Oyero for their initiative in fully covering the WAEC examination fees for secondary school students through the newly launched Bayo & Bimpe Oyero Foundation, established in honor of their late parents.
The scholarship program consists of three categories:
University undergraduates: ₦100,000 each for candidates, Polytechnic and College of Education students: ₦75,000 each for candidates, WAEC fees payment: ₦35,000 per student.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of Ona Ara Local Government, Dr. Kolapo Temitope Glorious, commended the ODF for its unwavering commitment to empowering students through education. He also expressed deep appreciation for the generous contributions of Chief Bayo & Bimpe Oyero Foundation, Chief Iyanda Family, Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi, and other philanthropists. In support of the initiative, Dr. Glorious donated ₦1,000,000 on behalf of the Local Government and personally contributed an additional ₦250,000 to the scholarship fund. He asvised the beneficiaries students to be a good ambassador of the Local Government now and in the future so they can as well give such scholarships to their junior ones.
Alhaji Kola Bolomope, on behalf of ODF, acknowledged and expressed heartfelt appreciation to the following benefactors for their generous donations:
S.A Iyanda – ₦2,468,000
Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi (Ilaji) – ₦2,000,000
Prof. M.O. Adeniji (Africola), Kate Katoose Family, Mogaji Lawani Oyero Family, Pa Yesufu Amoo Bolomope Family, Alhaji Bolanle Gafar Scholarship Foundation, and General Asimiyu Olaniyi – ₦1,000,000 each
Chief Mrs. T.A. Akinyele – ₦500,000
Ogunejo Family – ₦250,000
Pa David Adeleke Olubode (Tabantari) Family and Chief Ayo Akintunde – ₦100,000 each
Kayode Oluwemimo and Adeleke Oyekan – ₦50,000 each
The event was graced by notable dignitaries, including Chief Mustapha Bayo Oyero, all the traditional rulers of Ona Ara, market leaders, youth leaders, and student representatives. Also in attendance was the Acting Head of Local Government Administration (HLGA), Mrs. Rashidat Popoola, who led other management staff of the Local Government.
The Ona Ara Development Forum continues to reaffirm its commitment to promoting education and fostering growth in the community, ensuring that no indigent student is left behind due to financial constraints.
