The Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Chief) Olamide Oladiji, has charged students in Ondo East Local Government Area to shun negative influences, embrace hard work and acquire relevant skills to prepare themselves for the future.

Oladiji gave the charge at the fourth edition of his Mega Educational Empowerment Programme held at the Civic Centre, Bolorunduro, Ondo East Local Government Area.

The programme, which attracted beneficiaries from 12 public and six private secondary schools across the local government area, featured the distribution of educational materials, cash gifts and scholarships, as well as a quiz competition for students.

Addressing the beneficiaries, Oladiji said the initiative was designed to ensure that constituents benefit directly from the dividends of democracy, stressing that the true measure of public service was the positive impact it had on people’s lives.

He said the programme was also aimed at bridging the gap between government policies and the people by creating opportunities for young people, women and families to improve their lives.

According to him, the intervention had produced positive outcomes, with beneficiaries of previous editions using the support to advance their businesses and education, improve their livelihoods and provide better opportunities for their families.

The Speaker urged the students to take their education seriously and prepare themselves for the future through diligence, skills acquisition, innovation and responsible conduct.

“The future of Ondo State belongs to you. The future must be prepared for and worked for. Acquire skills, embrace innovation, shun negative influence and remain committed to peace and nation-building,” he said.

Oladiji disclosed that the 2026 edition would be different from previous editions, as students from participating schools would compete in a quiz competition, with outstanding students receiving scholarships to support their education up to the tertiary level.

He also highlighted his scholarship intervention for constituents studying at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, describing the initiative as part of his commitment to giving back to his constituents.

The Speaker appreciated members of the planning committee, led by his Special Adviser on Youth Affairs and Engagement, Mr Akintayo Akinjolie, as well as supporters and well-wishers whose contributions had helped to expand the reach of the programme.

He assured constituents that the initiative would continue, noting that the State House of Assembly would work with the executive and other stakeholders to promote policies that support economic empowerment, youth development and inclusive governance across the state.

Representing the Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Senior Special Assistant on Technical and Vocational Education, Mr Oluyi Tayo, commended the Speaker for sustaining the educational empowerment programme.

He described education as the bedrock of societal development, stressing that investment in the education of young people was an investment in the future of the state.

Oluyi said the initiative aligned with the educational objectives of the Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa-led administration under its EASE agenda, particularly in the area of human capital development. He noted that the provision of scholarships, learning materials and other educational incentives demonstrated a practical response to some of the challenges confronting students and urged other well-meaning indigenes to emulate the initiative.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Planning Committee and Special Adviser to the Speaker on Youth Affairs and Engagement, Mr Akintayo Akinjolie, described the programme as a fulfilment of the Speaker’s promise to his constituents.

Akinjolie said the initiative demonstrated that effective leadership was measured by the lives touched and opportunities created, rather than by titles or positions. He therefore urged the beneficiaries to use the items and opportunities provided wisely, work hard and become sources of inspiration to others.

In her keynote address, the Director, Ondo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mrs Tola Adeniyi, said the intervention had addressed some of the challenges that could hinder students from achieving their educational goals.

Adeniyi urged the beneficiaries to make effective use of the educational materials and other support provided, stressing that the opportunities available to them should motivate them to pursue academic excellence.

The quiz competition, which formed part of the scholarship selection process, produced Kolawole Surprise of Temidire Community High School and Alimi Wareez of Sokoto Ogundele High School as the first and second runners-up, respectively, among public secondary schools.

Among the private secondary schools, Omole Deborah of Godliness Model College and Olumuyiwa Praise of Godliness Academy emerged as the first and second runners-up, respectively.

The highlight of the programme was the presentation of gifts to the quiz competition winners and the distribution of educational materials and other empowerment items to beneficiaries.

The event was also attended by the Chairman, House Committee on Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Ologede Kolawole; Chairman, Ondo North-East Local Government, Hon. Jimoh Adebayo; member of the Ondo State Judicial Service Commission,Hon. Rafiu Akinkuolie,among other dignitaries.

Also in attendance were royal fathers, including ,HRH Oba Yangede of Epe Land, the Oba-elect of Bolorunduro HRH Oba Prof. Akinnifesi,Oloja of Owena, Oloja of Tepo, Oloja of Oboto, Oloja of Sasere and Oloja of Gbagenha, as well as the Chairman of all Baales in Ondo East, among others.