By Afolabi Oyekunle.
Ogun state Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun with the boy and others.
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has fulfilled her ₦10 million education pledge to 12-year-old Ogun State artist, Master Morenikeji Ebunoluwa Joshua, less than a month after being impressed by his artistic talent.
The ₦10 million Education Development Trust Fund, presented to Joshua through the Ogun State Government, is to support his education through the tertiary level.
The First Lady had announced the pledge on August 18 after spotting Joshua displaying a portrait he had painted of her at the launch of the South-West Zonal National Food Bank Programme at the Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.
Impressed by the quality of his work, Senator Tinubu invited the young artist to the podium and immediately pledged ₦10 million towards his future education.
Presenting the cheque on behalf of the First Lady, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, described the fulfilment of the pledge as a demonstration that “a promise made is a promise kept.”
Abiodun said the gesture went beyond the financial value of the donation, describing it as an investment in a young Nigerian whose talent had been identified and encouraged.
He commended Joshua for his artistic ability and determination to showcase his work, urging other young people to identify, develop and promote their God-given talents.
“Young Joshua Morenikeji is someone who wants to be heard, he wants to be seen, he wants his talent to be appreciated, and that is a very strong virtue.
“The truth is that if you are not out there promoting yourself, nobody is likely to promote you,” the governor said.
The development also marked a continuation of government support for the young artist, with Abiodun recalling that he had personally intervened in Joshua’s education three years ago after seeing one of his paintings during an exhibition at his office.
According to the governor, further interaction with the young artist revealed that he was still in primary school, prompting him to provide a scholarship to take Joshua through primary and secondary education.
“I immediately announced a scholarship in his favour to see him through primary to secondary school, and that has been done,” he said.
With the latest intervention by Senator Tinubu, Joshua’s educational support has now been extended to the tertiary level.
Abiodun expressed appreciation to the First Lady for the gesture, describing her as a promise keeper and a strong supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
He disclosed that an account had been opened specifically to ensure that the ₦10 million fund was preserved for Joshua’s educational needs.
“We extend our deepest appreciation for this gift of ₦10 million, whose account has been opened specifically for this purpose,” the governor said.
The governor also congratulated Joshua’s parents, urging them to continue supporting their son while encouraging the young artist to remain focused and further develop his talent.
Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the First Lady on Strategy, Hon. Wahab Alawiye-King, who handed over the cheque to Governor Abiodun, said Joshua’s story underscored the need for education to recognise and nurture different forms of talent.
She explained that education was not limited to academic performance but encompassed the cognitive, affective and psychomotor domains, covering intellectual development, values and emotions, as well as practical skills.
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, disclosed that the intervention was part of broader efforts to support deserving young people, revealing that 21 students from tertiary institutions had also received financial awards.
The beneficiaries comprised 14 students of Tai Solarin University of Education, six from Babcock University and one from Mountain Top University.
For Joshua, the intervention represents more than a reward for a portrait. It provides a pathway for him to pursue higher education while continuing to develop the artistic talent that brought him to national attention.
Speaking after receiving the support, Joshua thanked Senator Tinubu for recognising and investing in his talent, saying the gesture demonstrated that young talents could be seen, valued and encouraged.
He urged other children to identify their passions, pursue them diligently and continually work to improve their talents.
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