In a heartwarming event themed “Securing the Future Today”, Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central in the National Assembly, celebrated 200 beneficiaries of his university scholarship programme during a grand dinner in Ilorin on Friday night.
The event brought together dignitaries, community leaders, and parents to honor the beneficiaries and spotlight the transformative power of education.
Empowering the Next Generation
In his address, Senator Mustapha emphasized the critical role of education in building a prosperous future.
He urged the beneficiaries to prioritize academic excellence and community service, declaring, “You are the future governors, senators, ministers, and professors of Kwara State. The path to these heights lies in your commitment to education and personal development.”
As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture Production Services and Rural Development, Senator Mustapha cautioned students against distractions and social vices that could impede their academic success.
He unveiled plans to expand the initiative, announcing that free WAEC, NECO, and JAMB forms would be distributed in 2025 to support more students. “We will not only sustain this programme but increase the number of beneficiaries next year to provide even more opportunities for the youth of Kwara Central,” he pledged.
Commendations from Eminent Leaders
Professor Shuaibu Oba AbdulRaheem, Talba of Ilorin and former Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, chaired the occasion. He commended Senator Mustapha’s foresight, highlighting education’s transformative power.
“The only way to repay the Senator’s effort is by excelling in your studies and becoming scholars in your respective universities,” Professor AbdulRaheem urged the students.
Professor Binta Sulyman, Chairperson of the Education Committee of the Saliu Mustapha Foundation, lauded the Senator’s financial commitment, emphasizing that the programme extends beyond funding to empower students for self-reliance and societal impact.
A Legacy of Human Capital Development
Professor AbdulRasheed Na’Allah, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, represented by Mr. Nasir Abdulkadir, commended the Senator’s dedication to human capital development.
He noted the programme’s impact on alleviating poverty and equipping youths with valuable skills.
Similarly, Professor Kazeem Gbolagade, Vice-Chancellor of Ahman Pategi University, described the initiative as unprecedented, praising the Senator for awarding full scholarships to 200 students across multiple institutions.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The event saw an impressive turnout of community leaders, religious clerics, and education advocates, including the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh (Dr) Muhammad Bashir Soliu, and the Balogun Alanamu of Ilorin, Dr. Usman Jos.
National President of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), Alhaji Abdulmumin Malik, and parents of the beneficiaries were also present to celebrate the Senator’s gesture.
A Commitment to the Future
The evening concluded with renewed hope and optimism as Senator Mustapha reiterated his unwavering commitment to youth empowerment.
The beneficiaries expressed gratitude, pledging to make Kwara Central proud through their academic and professional achievements.
This initiative underscores the Senator’s belief in education as the cornerstone of societal transformation and sets a new benchmark for impactful leadership in Kwara State.
Source:Newkwara Media
